Megane RS Track Coaching Day at Circuit Haute Saintonge
Discussion
I had a very good day driving the new Megane Trophy RS at this challenging circuit north of Bordeaux. I chose an Instructor to get the best out of the day
The Circuite de Haute Saintonge 2.2km long is owned by the family of French F1 driver, formerly Matra and BRM, the late Jean Paul Beltoise and is run by Julien his son. Situated in wooded scenic countryside with its blind crests and sweeping flat out downhill sections it is one to be perfect on the brakes, so I figured that the best way was to have the coaching.
Loic, my coach, spoke a mix of French and English, which was fine, and he explained he also coaches at an Ice Driving course in Finland, plus specialised tarmac coaching for WRC drivers. I found his teaching especially good in the balance of the car during the turn in after and during the initial braking and trailing or progressive release during the turn. The Megane 4 wheel steer took a little bit of getting used to before all the systems were off, and overall it was a perfect car for the day. I even managed to get in a few laps with my Alfa QF at the end.
Its a definite recommend for any racing enthusiast spending time in this region.
Next stop is the Circuit Val de Vienne near Poitiers.
The Circuite de Haute Saintonge 2.2km long is owned by the family of French F1 driver, formerly Matra and BRM, the late Jean Paul Beltoise and is run by Julien his son. Situated in wooded scenic countryside with its blind crests and sweeping flat out downhill sections it is one to be perfect on the brakes, so I figured that the best way was to have the coaching.
Loic, my coach, spoke a mix of French and English, which was fine, and he explained he also coaches at an Ice Driving course in Finland, plus specialised tarmac coaching for WRC drivers. I found his teaching especially good in the balance of the car during the turn in after and during the initial braking and trailing or progressive release during the turn. The Megane 4 wheel steer took a little bit of getting used to before all the systems were off, and overall it was a perfect car for the day. I even managed to get in a few laps with my Alfa QF at the end.
Its a definite recommend for any racing enthusiast spending time in this region.
Next stop is the Circuit Val de Vienne near Poitiers.
This is interesting as my parents live pretty close to this circuit and I've dropped in a couple of times as I was passing by. It looks a decent track.
I was interested in one of their courses and sent them an email both in English and (Google translated) french and didn't receive a reply and also tried to call them but never received a reply or answer. How did you manage to contact them and do they generally have an English speaking instructor on hand?
Would you say your course was good value and were you able to push the car? I'm a MSA licence holder and race sporadically so whilst I wouldn't turn up claiming to know it all by any means, I'd also like to be able enjoy more than just an 'experience' session.
TIA
I was interested in one of their courses and sent them an email both in English and (Google translated) french and didn't receive a reply and also tried to call them but never received a reply or answer. How did you manage to contact them and do they generally have an English speaking instructor on hand?
Would you say your course was good value and were you able to push the car? I'm a MSA licence holder and race sporadically so whilst I wouldn't turn up claiming to know it all by any means, I'd also like to be able enjoy more than just an 'experience' session.
TIA
Patsy said:
This is interesting as my parents live pretty close to this circuit and I've dropped in a couple of times as I was passing by. It looks a decent track.
I was interested in one of their courses and sent them an email both in English and (Google translated) french and didn't receive a reply and also tried to call them but never received a reply or answer. How did you manage to contact them and do they generally have an English speaking instructor on hand?
Would you say your course was good value and were you able to push the car? I'm a MSA licence holder and race sporadically so whilst I wouldn't turn up claiming to know it all by any means, I'd also like to be able enjoy more than just an 'experience' session.
TIA
Hi, I also dropped in to find out about it all and met Julien Beltoise who runs the circuit. He is the son of Jean Pierre Beltoise who raced Matras in the '70s.I was interested in one of their courses and sent them an email both in English and (Google translated) french and didn't receive a reply and also tried to call them but never received a reply or answer. How did you manage to contact them and do they generally have an English speaking instructor on hand?
Would you say your course was good value and were you able to push the car? I'm a MSA licence holder and race sporadically so whilst I wouldn't turn up claiming to know it all by any means, I'd also like to be able enjoy more than just an 'experience' session.
TIA
I speak French so was able to discuss what was on offer.If you use google translate, and write down what you want you should be able to sort it. His email is julien jbeltoise@beltoise-evolution.fr
My coach Loic, speaks good English. He also coaches at an ice school in Finland, and coaches WRC drivers for tarmac.
I've been driving tarmac and gravel type rally cars for many years. For my session he drove the circuit twice pointing out the nuances as there are blind brows, then asked me to drive a couple of laps. After that it was at whatever pace we wanted. As I was getting to find the faster lines we just went as quick as we could.
In the afternoon several Porsche GT3s turned up for testing.
They do experience days but only on weekends. Weekdays are for race cars, testing etc. You can book tracktime in your car or their new Megane RS Cup.
To be fair I wanted to use their car and have the best coach. I would say it was pretty much the same cost as Silverstone or Thruxton one to one 4 hours coaching in a circuit supplied car.
The circuit is immaculate as are the buildings and surrounds. I noticed a young Jenson Buttons photograph on the wall amongst other British and foreign drivers who have raced there.
Nice circuit is Saintonge and very technical. I've only done a couple of track days there but enjoyed it very much.
The first time there it was very wet and a few cars were just not prepared for the wet and we're spinning out all over the place.
The brow on the pit straight has to be taken seriously .
Val de Vienne circuit is my local track and is excellent with great facility's.
The first time there it was very wet and a few cars were just not prepared for the wet and we're spinning out all over the place.
The brow on the pit straight has to be taken seriously .
Val de Vienne circuit is my local track and is excellent with great facility's.
Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff