French Grand Prix 1991 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Nigel Mansell claimed his first victory of the 1991 season at the inaugural French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours, delivering a commanding performance that showcased Williams-Renault's growing competitiveness. The Englishman dominated from pole position, controlling the race with authority despite intense pressure from Alain Prost's Ferrari in the closing stages. Mansell's victory at the new French circuit was a significant morale boost for Williams and demonstrated that they finally had a package capable of challenging McLaren on a consistent basis.

Alain Prost finished second for Ferrari, providing the passionate French crowd with a popular podium appearance on home soil. The four-time World Champion drove a strong race to secure his best result of a difficult season, though he lacked the pace to seriously challenge Mansell's dominant Williams. Ayrton Senna salvaged third place for McLaren after a frustrating weekend where his car couldn't match the Williams' pace, marking a rare occasion where Senna had to settle for damage limitation rather than fighting for victory.

The race was notable for being held at the new Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, which replaced the historic Paul Ricard circuit as France's Formula 1 venue. Mansell's victory on French soil was sweetened by the presence of Williams' engine partner Renault, making it a perfect result for the Anglo-French alliance. The win signaled that the championship battle was far from over, even though Senna still maintained a comfortable points advantage with his consistency and McLaren's superior reliability.