Motorsports
Motorsports are very popular in France, especially auto racing and motorcycle racing.
Formula One has a strong connection and long history with France, having roots in the European Grand Prix motor racing. Many French circuits have been used since the foundation of the Formula One Championships: Reims-Gueux (1950–1966), Rouen-Les-Essarts (1952–1958), Circuit Charade (1965–1972), Bugatti Circuit (1967), Circuit Paul Ricard (1971–1990), Dijon-Prenois (1974–1984), and Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours (1991–2008). France is home of Formula One World's Constructors' Champions Matra (1969) and Renault (2005 and 2006), and Formula One World Drivers' Champion Alain Prost (1985, 1986, 1989, and 1993).
France is also home to the most Champions in Formula Two history with Jean-Pierre Beltoise (1968), Johnny Servoz-Gavin (1969), Jean-Pierre Jarier (1973), Patrick Depailler (1974), Jacques Laffite (1975), Jean-Pierre Jabouille (1976), and René Arnoux (1977). French constructors have also been successful with Matra winning the Championships in 1967, 1968, and 1969, Automobiles Martini in 1975 and 1977, and Renault in 1976 and 1977.
Touring car racing, although less popular in France than Formula One, has a strong following, especially with current World Touring Car Championship Drivers' Champion Yvan Muller (2008, 2010, and 2011).
In Sports car racing, France is home to the 24 Hours of Le Mans the world's oldest sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since 1923. Also, French auto racing team Hexis Racing is the current FIA GT1 World Team Champion.
Rallying is very popular in France, with two World Rally Championship rallies being held there: Tour de Corse (1973–2008) and Rallye d'Alsace (2010-today).
French drivers and manufacturers have been very successful in the World Rally Championship, especially since 2000, winning respectively 8 and 10 championships. Champions include Didier Auriol (1994) and Sébastien Loeb (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011, all time record) for the drivers, and Alpine (1973), Peugeot (1985, 1986, 2000, 2001, and 2002), and Citroën (2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011) for the manufacturers.
France holds an annual ice racing championship at the end of each year, called the Andros Trophy.
Other types of auto racing (Stock car racing, Drag racing, etc.) are more favored.
Read more about this topic: Sport In France