6 replies to this topic

[LittleChris]

I recently bought the latest ( 2004 ) version of the Michelin map of France and Mireval near Montpellier seems to have disappeared compared to my 1998 version. Anybody know why ??

[2F-001]

It was still marked on the 2002 edition if that helps anyone investigate its fate.
(I was near there last week and, by coincidence, my Michelin lay on my desk folded back at the next page!)

I seem to remember one of the UK motor mags (Autocar maybe?) doing a big group car test there just a few years ago. I get this mixed up with Miramas, just along the coast, but although that is a more modern test track it is normally just described as a n oval. The map and description (from memory) in that article fits more with Mireval. Do you recall seeing that, Chris?

[LittleChris]

Afraid I didn't see the article Tony. However, a few years ago, there was a single seater ( Formula Campus ? ) track test in, possibly, Autosport where they raved about Mireval saying it was quite new but would become a classic. As is the way with Autosport, they appear to have put the kybosh on it !! The other circuit near Montpellier, but to the east of the city is Ledenon, which is a good little track from what I've see of it.

[2F-001]

Ah, Ledenon is what I was down there for!
We were on a track-day tour (with the Lotus Seven Club). I'd driven at Ledenon before about six years ago and came away raving about it being one of my all-time favourites. I was concerned that, on return, my memories might be better than reality... but it was a real blast... The circuit is quite fascinating (not long, at under two miles) a sort-of anti-clockwise Cadwell on steroids! Watching from the pitlane you can see half a dozen different 'limbs' of track going in all directions and at extraordinary gradients, with cars zipping around all over the place. Some found the track a little intimidating as there are places where you just put your foot down and hurtle into hidden dips and over blind, curving crests.

[philippe7]

I can assure you that the Karland-Mireval circuit still does exist.....I was there a couple of months ago, and "visited" the track for the very first time ( from the overlooking road , through the fences, etc...) . As you will doubtlessly know, it is now a private test track belonging to a major tires company, and that day there were plenty of touring cars blasting around , and despite the splendid dry weather , some part of the track were "wet" thanks to a custom-built watering system on part of the circuit

[LittleChris]

Thanks Philippe. If it's now a private track, that might explain why it no longer appears on the Michelin map. Strange that Miramas should continue to appear however since as I understand it, that is also a private test facility

[philippe7]

Well......that might be because Mireval belongs to Goodyear, a major competitor of.....Michelin ;)

Whereas Miramas, if I remember well , belongs to Uniroyal (?) which I think (?) is a subsidiary of Michelin ; But I'm prepared to stand corrected on those two points !