The track is based in the south of FRANCE. It opened on 3 October 1960 as the first purpose-built race circuit in France. Initially 1.752 kilometres (1.089 mi) long it was expanded in 1973 and 1989 to its current 3.636 kilometres (2.259 mi) length. In 2007 the circuit was modernized including a new control tower, a new pitlane and widening the track to 12 metres (39 ft).