WHEN MAGNY COURS WAS INTERESTING! The Story of the 1999 French Grand Prix

In an earlier video I made a comment about how French Grands Prix tended to be snoozefests. Either because nobody could race, or because someone called Michael was shooting off into the distance.
But people always will refer to this one when you need something to go on. It's probably the only one, so let's look at how Frentzen kept his ultra slim championship hopes alive with this big win in France.
Enjoy! And remember to like and subscribe for more!
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[@Erik_The_Viking]

HHF was a beast in 1999 - he had a genuine shot at the championship that year - in a Jordan. Underrated driver.

[@sanfordcurtis8242]

And he absolutely wiped the floor with Damon that year

[@BRMdrivingschool]

Also, have to give extra credit to Frentzen as he was still injured after his crash in Canada and probably wouldn’t have made the end if it wasn’t raining. Also, that Jordan was so tight on fuel at the end, it barely had enough to provide a sample to be tested in scrutineering. The 2000 race was also a good one with Coulthard, passing both Ferraris and Alex Wurz doing the worst overtaking attempt ever seen

[@terminateshere]

The following years race was pretty good too, featuring some Ferrari-vs-McLaren wheel-to-wheel including a 'Coulthard salute'. But every other MC race was either "everyone running round in speed order" or "something clever with the pitstops".

[@LewisSkinner]

Fun fact. The only team to have heard their correct national anthem on a podium for only half their wins: Jordan. For their first win, the circuit didn't have the Irish anthem, so played "God Save the Queen" instead. The other occasion was Giancarlo Fisichella getting his hands on the 2003 Brazilian GP Winners' trophy at Imola having listened to - again - God Save the Queen for McLaren at Interlagos.

[@opiejaye]

Aah, '99, what a year for Jordan and HHF.

[@harmkuijpers6642]

That one point Irvine lost in France cost him the title. Of course, Ferrari didn't know it at the time that Schumacher would be out by the next race, but had Irvine had one more point, all Schumacher would have had to do in Suzuka was let him by for 2nd. Of course, that is assuming the rest of the races would have gone the same way.

[@danesorensen1775]

I'm all here for the Damon Hill Mental State video. I read his book and it was fascinating - F1 through the eyes of a mortal, rather than the demigods most of them seem to be - so I'd love to hear what it was like for someone there at the time. (I'm old, but I didn't get into F1 in 2004 or so.)

[@johnyossarian1135]

That year was golden for underdog fans. Not great for fans of HHFs knee

[@Gabbu_Plays]

you should do a video on the 1995 Aussie GP, where Damon Hill lapped every other person who finished, with the closest driver 2 laps down

[@CyanRooper]

Ahh, the good old days.

[@MrSniperfox29]

The race Jonathan Palmer claimed "Damon won't be happy about how he won this race"

[@sagastim]

And Morbidelli finished 3rd with a Footwork

[@MrSniperfox29]

@@sagastim Netting Footwork a good payday as it allowed them to move past Tyrrell in the standings

[@WerdnaLiten]

Panis trundling around in the Ligier-Mugen for the last few laps, with an engine about to blow up......

[@periklaskyriakidis6064]

Idk if you mentioned on the video, but Frentzen later revealed that he realised he won that race with a broken leg! After the end of the season I think (or during the 1999 season), he had some pain on his leg and went to a doctor, and he told him that the leg had been broken earlier in the year but he had let it go. Then HHF realised it was because of his crash in Canada, which was the race that happened right before the French GP. Unbelievable stuff!

[@dukeoversteer]

Ah yes - "The Michael ". Gotta love Mika and that inimitable Finnish accent. Thank you that trip down memory lane.

[@eamonahern7495]

Being Irish, I was always a Jordan fan. I'll never forget Eddie singing Amhrán na bhFiann on the podium as the winning constructor and Michael Douglas was one of the trophy presenters. I recorded that race and still have it on VHS. The thing is I no longer have something to play it on and must figure out if I can somehow convert it to digital.

[@mclarenjohnf1]

You can I found a bloke years ago who could do it on line, I think he charged at that time £10 per tape, I also remember you could get a vcr dvd machine that would record from tape to disk my father in law purchased one from a shop on the east coast but i have no idea what happened to the machine.

[@dublin4liammccarthy]

Amhrán na bhFiann was only played twice for Jordan's four wins, they didn't have it for Spa 98, and sure Brazil 03 was just utter confusion!

[@suxix7312]

That is why I still have a VCR hooked up. You never know.

[@eamonahern7495]

@@dublin4liammccarthy I know. Brazil '03 is the only Jordan win I didn't get on tape. I was going to tape it but decided not to bother because of how unlikely a Jordan win was supposed to be.

[@maza19]

"the only French gp to not be a snooze fest" Villeneuve and Arnoux would have an argument about it

[@MrSniperfox29]

Funny thing is, nobody remembers anything else from that race

[@maza19]

@@MrSniperfox29 nobody remembers anything other than Hamilton overtaking Glock in Brazil 2008. But it was an awesome race

[@MrSniperfox29]

@@maza19 And yet France wasn't an awesome race other than the battle for 2nd between Arnoux and Villeneuve.

[@ericb3593]

Accually, I have a couple of more. 2000 French Grand Prix was also a banger. Not as good as 99 but the 4 way battle for the lead in 2000 was great! Also, 2004 and 2006 were decent events aswell. 2006, I was accually sitting in the stands on the start/finish straight. Only race I've seen live, which might cloud my judgement a little

[@RBenjo21]

Unfortunately France 2006 was one of the worst races of that season.

[@captainmagenta899]

I believe that was the race DC was giving hand signals to The Michael and Brundle quipped "Do that to me ONE more time". Right up there with Cleland going for first.

[@brianrichter409]

Yeah gotta agree, 2006 was maybe the worst GP at Magny-Cours and 2004 is only memorable because of the 4 pitstops with nothing happening on the track

[@pierregrangier2731]

Totally agree, bro. Races in Magny-Cours often used to be incredible : 1997, 1998, even 2001 with the epic battle between Michael and Ralf. And of course, the 1999 edition was absolutely legendary, even more than Hockenheim 2019

[@stephencruse6525]

Back when f1 raced in the rain

[@F-Man]

Perfect example as to why the 1998-2008 form factor, plus grooved tires, was the best regs package in F1 history.

[@mattwhorlow9900]

"The only French GP not to be a snoozefest"... Dijon '81 would like a quiet word....

[@turnpiketumbler8938]

I remember the RTE (Irish TV) coverage of that race. Gary Anderson, came on the coms and confirmed that Frentzen, had indeed, enough fuel to finish the race in first. My-self and my mate jumped for joy in the living room! We were only teenagers, but, it was also a big deal in Ireland at the time. Jordan F1 is the stuff of legends over here!

[@MrSniperfox29]

Irvine was told not to overtake the Michael so the Michael could get more points for the championship because Irvine didn't matter. Well, that worked out well.

[@tubadude07]

Loved Magny Cours as a kid

[@sanfordcurtis8242]

Same. It had way too many haters

[@corpsecoder_nw6746]

Wow also when Frentzen got into the title mix.....

[@AdamMGTF]

Testing at santa pod. Id love to see that!

[@methanoid]

I remember it well. I won a 35/1 bet on Frentzen to win. Along with a similar win for another Frentzen bet that year I bought a yellow Gameboy for my son 😂😂

[@RBenjo21]

Thank you for doing this one! IMO the most underrated race of all time.

[@billmcdonald4335]

Bring back the Circuit Charade at Clermont-Ferrand. The only French GP-hosting venue worthy of the name 'racetrack.' [flag planted, hill to die on chosen]

[@qwj68boots]

Of course, it's your stellar reporting and passion that bring me here. You're in a class of your own, AM. But, this time, as it's summer break and another RBR runaway season, I actually went onto F1TV and watched the race. Damn!!! This race was like watching nothing recently seen within F1 in Years! Decades, even! The drivers on the podium seem much more poised than the current crop. I guess that's what the past does. Shows some dignity, maturity and Great racing. What's also great is that the drivers congratulated EJ for that win as well as each other. Their emotions seemed genuine. Not sure we'd see that today. WHAT A RACE! So many thanks. What summer break?!

[@areasquirrel]

Still better than Paul Ricard, in any era. I miss this circuit. So much. Yes, I'm being nostalgic for my earliest days with F1. What of it? As I mentioned somewhere else once, the summer began for me with Magny Cours for a while. So yeah, nostalgia. Although we missed this one live, heading over the border for our holidays, had to make do with the highlights. Always love to relive Ireland's Greatest Year, 1999. The Two Eddies. But that was still a few weeks away. After Canada, I was enjoying the prospect of some extended Michael misery, as Mika's title hopes improved. This was nice, another win in the wet as Jordan lived up to Irish Stere O'Types. But little did we know, this season was about to go completely insane.

[@LoganHunter82]

I think best french track is Dijon-Prenois

[@flyingphoenix113]

DP>MC>PR. In that order. My sorry is that Dijon couldn't be modernized without ruining the brilliant character of the circuit. For that reason, Magny Cours is my favorite Grade 1 French Circuit.

[@brickspace9]

I remember not watching this race and instead playing video games all Sunday afternoon, which I have just been introduced to (stupid me). 1999 was just a fun season as McLaren and Ferrari challenged themselves in messing up their weekends allowing the midfield teams to finish on the podium. What makes the start of Spa 1998 even better is Martin Brundle's comment during the formation lap (something like there is no reason to start behind the safety car).

[@victorchaos6527]

2:33 in season testing used to be great to attend as a fan. Cheaper than attending the GP and Paddock passes were easily obtainable if required at all. Being able to meet the drivers at the back of garages for autographs and see the motor homes up close was a dream come true to a 11-14 year old me. The smaller teams like Jordan and Minardi would even invite you in the garage for a nose

[@raptor1672]

Magny-Cours is an underrated and overly hated F1 track. I'll never forget Coulthard giving The Michael the middle finger at the Adelaide Hairpin!

[@1dree1]

Totally with you there. At that era Magny Cours was highliy anticipated as in interesting race among my friends. Maybe it's coincidence, maybe it just worked well with the cars but 2000 was a brilliant battle between Coulthard and Schumacher. 97 was great too so maybe it wasn't about the smaller cars. Anyway...my memories of that track are positive too. :)

[@mikebate6719]

The 99 season was such a hot mess and I love it.

[@corpsecoder_nw6746]

10:16 I recall Bottas penalty in Spa 2015

[@Tel1717]

A good job was done, so I liked the video.

[@SamuelSantos_]

On the topic of testing, I'd be in favour of bringing back unlimited testing provided that testing expenses are included in the budget cap.

[@conradder]

I remember having to “watch” that qualifying on ceefax because for some reason ITV didn’t show it, there was talk of the ITV crew Turing up and being denied access and “Bernie” looking more money, but don’t think there real reason ever came out.. the next Grand Prix Jim rosental was like “don’t worry that won’t happen again!”so it was forgotten about

[@FlashoftheBlades]

If only Magny-Cours had wider pits, F1 might still be there. Oh, and 2021 was another banger, even if it was at Paul Ricard, aka the Valterri Bottas of F1 tracks.

[@TheD2JBug]

F1 race + variable weather = epic race

[@captainmagenta899]

I always enjoyed Brundle's little nuggets of detail about the particular quirks of Magny-Cours, honed from all the testing laps he did there at Ligier.

[@mclarenjohnf1]

I have photo's of my 2 kids with a Jordan car and yes I did have a soft spot for the underdog.

[@RACECAR]

Knowing how much money was absolutely thrown around in F1 at the time, one has wonder how much of that was just in testing alone (Especially with how often they did it throughout the season). Granted Ferrari having their own test track probably meant they weren't throwing around nearly as much money (I mean when its your own backyard, its hardly a drop in the bucket I imagine), but everyone else must've been spending eye-watering amounts of the stuff just to test out this new wing or these new uprights or these new engine map settings or something. I would be very intrigued to know, especially considering the massive problem that currently exists with new drivers getting into F1: A severe lack of testing.

[@trashlouis]

keep up the uploads man, always a good treat to sit down and watch one of these:)

[@lacalaca85]

"the Michael" - instant time machine

[@VenusDoom891]

I also think the 1991 and 2000 (recently seen on Big Zeddie's channel) races at Magny-Cours were very good too. But yes they were a rarity! 1996 was interesting for Michael blowing up on the formation lap and Irvine a couple of laps in at Ferrari's nadir but can't remember much else about it! :-)

[@minibus9]

awesome video

[@Nexus1x]

Are you able to cover the 1957 German Grand Prix? I’ve heard by many it’s one of the greatest drives ever, but I’ve got no clue about it whatsoever.

[@sugarnads]

Its a lovely track

[@fearghus66]

Finally!!

[@mrkipling2201]

Even though Williams had far and away the best cars in 1992, most of the races were still exciting. Especially before Nigel Mansell actually won the title. Apart from the French GP. Which was boring. I watched every minute of every race live on television that season. Apart from at Magny-Cours. I fell asleep halfway through. A lot of people might disagree about the races in 1992, but they were exciting to me because of Nigel Mansell. It was finally his year. My favourite F1 driver ever. Plus he had the same car as Patrese but was a lot quicker. It showed how great he was.

[@AidanMillward]

Active cars suited aggressive drivers. Mansell could lob the car into every corner and brake as late as possible and it would do what it needed to do. Prost was no where near as dominant in 1993 as he otherwise should have been because he couldn’t get his head round how to drive something like that FW15C

[@captainmagenta899]

Ironically, Patrese led a good chunk of that race on merit but was told to move over. The post-race interview was quite frosty between the pair, with Brundle visibly enjoying the spectacle.

[@jacekatalakis8316]

AGS had something similar as well, the Circuit du Var (Le Luc) and yes, Bob drove for them. BOb as in, wait for it...Roberto Moreno. Actually, looking at hust what the Circuit du Var (Le Luc) offer up, it's drool worthy, they got some great options there, if, if you can get a track day, their site menti9ons a 962, Cosser, STR, AGS, Williams, Stewart, Tyrell, both from around the general late 90s, and various other options. Just how they got and keep all those going, I wanna know

[@cyberfutur5000]

Do you already have a video about the 99 Nürburgring? (I think I've seen it a long time ago, but maybe I'm confusing it with a Josh Revell video or something? Hmmm... sorry.) One of my favorite races. Still a great watch.

[@nath-hh2ff]

Would like to see a video on unique disqualifications.

[@juan833blue]

To be honest if the French GP should return it should be @ Magny-Cours

[@LFC4LIFEJEDI]

Hey Aiden, could you recommend a good starter steering wheel / peddles / gear shifter kit.. Not looking for top of the line or bottom tire that will just fall apart. Just a good solid setup.. Cheers

[@reptongeek]

Tora's disqualification is kind of understandable given how frantic the pit lane was at the time, but of course no-one else made the same mistake it has to be said This race had the longest SC period at the time which was tragically equalled at the 2000 Italian GP and 2001 Australian GP before being exceeded at the 2007 Japanese GP

[@mrmr5580]

I'm one of those weirdos that actually liked Magny-Cours, to be fair that might be because I was really good at Magny-Cours on the PlayStation

[@jsma9999]

Wrong Tyres Pentalys (pen /DQ) as Bottas at Belgium GP 2015 come to mind.

[@hamdanali2036]

reckon this track would work with the current gen of supposed low dirty air cars?

[@caseyf14483]

probably not, the cars are too wide

[@theleftyboater]

Roberto Moreno vid when?

[@deeacosta2734]

Wi wi!

[@AidanMillward]

*oui.

[@simonverdinek7803]

I was like 1st I checked Schumachers position and then I checked where are Jordans.

[@GuzziHeroV50]

I certainly wasn't a Jordan fan :D Never liked the guy. But it was a brilliant victory.

[@jacekatalakis8316]

Building off the TC allegations, how much would TC have actualy helped in conditions like that, would it be as much as people think actually or? Gotta admit the teams getting clever to flout the no cigarette/no taurine rules was always worth looking forward to. R ? anyone, or just the ? on the sidepod I found clever/cheeky. Was that only ever done at France though...

[@decb]

Tobacco sponsorship bans started in the early 90s. By the turn of the millennium it was banned in France and Britain, with Germany and Belgium sometimes joining in. Canada banned it in 2004, and half the season was tobacco-free in 2005 due to the EU ban on advertising from 31/7/05. After that the number kept dropping. Oddly enough the British GP had tobacco adverts around the track, but not on the cars, until 2005. Just like we had billboards for L&B, B&H, SC, etc until the last moment, as well as cricket and snooker tournaments sponsored by them. Alcohol was just a French thing. The sale of energy drinks was banned in France, but the advertising of them at global events wasn't. If it was then Red Bull could get around it as they use the same branding for just about everything from their drinks to event promotion to record labels, TV station, and mobile network.

[@jacekatalakis8316]

No no I mean, was the R and the ? on the sidepod and wing or the just the ? ? on the car used once per year in France? I'm mostly sure Williams had a different livery for France and Britain/other non cigarette races, which raises the issue of okay, but, why use two liveries for two different races when you can't show the Rothmans logos? Why not just use the standard Racing decals? I'm finding conflicting sources that state about who was first to ban it actually, on the one hand you have the French law that concerns sporting events, on the other you have a 1990 retrospective where Alan Docking goes yes we're sponsored by Marlboro but why run in the uK if we can't show it, we may as well go to Germany circa 1990, though admittedly F3 is not F1. I'm trying to figure out who was first to ban it since I thought it was France as far as F1 goes but I have a yearbook with shots of the 91 British GP and the Camel Williams minus the wording, which is tripping me up a lot. ANd yes, the famous shot (mine was black and white and took up half a page) of Neil Horan on the Hangar Straight with a big Marlboro F1 board at the top of the photo. I don't remember them on the broadcast, more the photo. I'd need to go find the broadcast and see if that's my memory playing tricks on me or if they did some clever camera WORK

[@1dree1]

I'm not 100% sure and I'm too lazy to check it but didn't Coulthard have the fastest lap of the race? Sure the weather changed later on but still ..others had many dry laps to nail a fast one too. One of the many races in which he lead and something unfortunate happened. Always kind of felt for him as it could have been more success.

[@RANDOMZBOSSMAN1]

He did btw IIRC David had the fastest lap around france every year from 1997-2002

[@seebarry4068]

So Damon has the record for the fastest slowest car?

[@FallingPicturesProductions]

I like Magny-Cours, but if your circuit needs rain to put on an interesting race, your circuit is garbage.

[@calado92]

Are you born in 91, if so we almost the same age 😊

[@TeamRedWolf11]

Is do the werid dqs video

[@eoincassin4265]

This is a REALLY great video. As an Irishman who's suffered crippling and debilitating mental health issues...please highlight the struggles Damon faced.