French Grand Prix 1956 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Peter Collins secured his second consecutive victory at the French Grand Prix, dominating the high-speed Reims circuit to extend Ferrari's winning streak. The young British driver led home teammate Eugenio Castellotti in a Ferrari one-two finish, while Jean Behra salvaged third place for Maserati. Collins' back-to-back victories established him as a genuine championship contender and demonstrated Ferrari's growing competitiveness.

Reims' ultra-fast layout through the champagne region featured long straights connected by fast corners, rewarding powerful engines and driver bravery. Collins' confident drive showcased his natural speed and racecraft, building on his Belgian victory with another mature performance. Ferrari's Lancia-Ferrari D50 suited the circuit's demands, with sufficient power to compete on the straights while maintaining stability through the fast corners.

Fangio's absence from the podium raised questions about the championship leader's form, though the Argentine remained comfortably ahead in points. Collins' emergence as a consistent winner complicated Ferrari's internal dynamics, as the Scuderia now fielded three drivers capable of victory. The French Grand Prix victory reinforced Collins' status as British racing's brightest young talent, though his selfless nature would ultimately prevent him from fully capitalizing on his championship position.