The 2026 Michelin® Grand Prix of France is shaping up to be another blockbuster as we look to write a new chapter at this legendary venue. Le Mans has shown time and time again that the only thing predictable in MotoGP™ is that it’s completely unpredictable. Before the action gets underway this weekend, we take a trip down memory lane to watch some of the all-time French GP classics – and there’s a common theme: the weather!

2003: Gibernau gets one over Rossi

The weather is always a talking point at Le Mans, and 23 years ago, it was the same; midway through the original start, a red flag due to rain meant a 13-lap dash. It was Valentino Rossi vs Sete Gibernau all the way in the closing stages and ‘The Doctor’ led the #15 into the last lap but at Turn 7, Gibernau hit the front. Rossi responded into Turn 11 but went wide, allowing Gibernau back through before he tried again at Turn 13 but couldn’t hold the racing line. One of many great battles between the two of them, Gibernau came out on top for a third career victory.

2007: Vermeulen dances in the rain

A crazy race, once again impacted by some rain, but gone are the days of red flags – this time, a flag-to-flag Grand Prix. In the early stages, it was a French 1-2 with Sylvain Guintoli and Randy de Puniet out front. Both fell off from podium positions and, in de Puniet’s case, from the lead due to the weather, triggering a plethora of riders to come down pitlane and change bikes. The rain poured down but Chris Vermeulen had no issues at all, finding his way into the lead, staying there to take the chequered flag and take his only victory, ahead of Marco Melandri and Casey Stoner P3.

2009: Lorenzo’s Land is marked

A chaotic 2009 French GP saw another flag-to-flag, but this time, the other way around; it started on wets but then after a few laps, it was time for slick tyres. Valentino Rossi was the first to blink but paid the price as he fell at Turn 7; he came back in pitlane, changed back onto his original bike but fitted with slick tyres before getting a ride-through penalty for speeding in pitlane. At the front, Jorge Lorenzo came in on Lap 12 and had timed it perfectly. He took the win by some 17s ahead of a heroic Marco Melandri on the Hayate with Dani Pedrosa in P3.

2017: Viñales vs Rossi in last lap belter

For once, no rain interfered with what was a corking Grand Prix at Le Mans; Valentino Rossi was once again a protagonist but once again, his luck at Le Mans was out. He led onto the last lap ahead of teammate Maverick Viñales, but a mistake at Turn 8 saw him relinquish the lead. Into Turn 11 and in his desperation, he fell from P2, leaving the coast clear for Viñales to win the Grand Prix without pressure in the final corners, ahead of home-hero Johann Zarco and Dani Pedrosa in third.

2021: Miller takes victory in a modern flag-to-flag classic

A dry(ish) start to 2021’s French GP was soon interrupted by a downpour on Lap 5, which saw Jack Miller – who led on the opening lap – run off at Turn 11 but keep it upright. Everyone piled into the pits, and it was Marc Marquez who took over at the front before he fell at the end of Lap 8, ending his hopes of a first victory since injury. Miller was now in P2 behind home-hero Fabio Quartararo but was given a double Long Lap Penalty for speeding in pitlane. Despite this, on Lap 12, he passed the #20 and then cleared off into the distance for a second win on the spin. Behind though, the home crowd got what they wanted with Johann Zarco in P2 and new Championship leader Quartararo in third.

2024: three-way clash of the titans

2024 was one to remember for sure: Jorge Martin vs Marc Marquez vs Francesco Bagnaia – a true scrap! It was Bagnaia who was the fast starter, whilst Marquez had opposite fortunes, dropping outside the top five on the opening lap. All eyes were on the titanic fight for victory, with the title rivals trading blows – holding a comfortable advantage over the field. The #93 began to hunt the leaders down, closing the gap – eventually catching with three laps remaining. A final lap showdown was set as Martin held firm and Marquez launched an unforgettable overtake at Turn 9. It was Martin who snatched victory, winning by 0.446s as Marquez clinched P2 ahead of Bagnaia – true Le Mans magic!

Relive the 2024 French GP in full, using the MotoGP VideoPass Trial!