 The Grand Prix de Tunis is a sociable and rather exotic closing additional event to our driving tour season and provides some late but welcome North African sunshine before the nights close in. There is a chance to extend your stay afterwards in the south of France, so feel free to request a later date for your return ferry if you would like to do this.
The first Tunis Grand Prix took place in 1928 and was won by Lehoux in a Bugatti Type 35. The event ran regularly until 1937. Great names such as Varzi, Chiron, Etancelin, Nuvolari, Wimille, Sommer, then finally Rosemeyer and Caracciola - in the mighty Autounions - fought for victory here. The race resumed eventually after the Second World War in 1955 and on the present Circuit de Belvedere. This was the first and last post-war event until the current recreation began in 2000.
Tunisia is a progressive country which welcomes tourism and the city of Tunis is commercially vibrant. It has an attractive Mediterranean coast and climate. The ancient ruins of Carthage adjoin the modern city. However, you are soon into the desert and many Saharan vehicle safaris set off from here. There is a sense of the Arab world meeting the French colonial past and the locals are curious and welcoming of visitors with their older cars. There are numerous shopping opportunities in the large Souk with its maze of little alleys housing local traders and craftsmen.
Our hotel is the five star Sheraton, in the Belvedere Park and adjoining the circuit, with international facilities, swimming pools and a lovely situation dominating the city. There is special parking here for the cars as well as a Parc ferme at the circuit.
The race meeting itself is quite small and takes the form of demonstrations in normally three grids; pre-war, post-war up to 1960, and modern up to 1975. However there is timed practice, a starting grid and a winner taking the chequered flag. There will be an opportunity for those in older cars to take part in a parade in the centre of Tunis as well as parade laps around the circuit. We can of course also assist you to compete if your car has appropriate FIA papers and the driver has a competition licence.
We take the opportunity to explore a little of Tunisia on the organised rally following the race meeting and then you have some free time to explore and do some serious haggling for bargains. |
Wednesday 17 October
Saturday 20 October
