The 1966 French Grand Prix was a Formula One motor race held at Reims on 3 July 1966.

Brabham became the first driver to win a World Championship Grand Prix in a car bearing his own name.

Jim Clark was a non-starter, recovering from an accident after he was hit in the eye by a bird during practice.

Qualifying was firmly in the hands of Ferrari and especially Lorenzo Bandini with a pole set at 2:07.8 in his 3-litre 312/66, averaging 146.112 mph (233.780 km/h).

After the start, Bandini duly led, with Jack Brabham in what would later be nicknamed his 'Old Nail' BT19 – which had a bit less straightline speed – following in his slipstream for a while.