Formula One will return to Magny-Cours next month when Ferrari, Mercedes and Force India hold their annual Young Driver Tests at the French venue.

The 17-turn, 2.74 mile track will provide the teams' aspiring stars with a suitably demanding challenge as they tackle a combination of flowing, high-speed corners and slower technical sections. These characteristics also represent an ideal layout on which to hone car set-ups ahead of the season's crucial final seven rounds.

The Circuit de Nevers is no stranger to the roar of F1 engines having played host to the French Grand Prix a total of 18 times between 1991 and 2008.

The venue has continued to stage numerous top-line events ever since, including international single-seater, touring car, GT and motorcycle championships.

During this period extensive upgrades have also been made to the circuit and its facilities, while the opening of a new motorway linking the track with Paris has significantly cut journey times and improved access.

Set-up for the test begins at the circuit on Sunday (September 9) before cars take to the track on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the following week.

"I am thrilled to be able to confirm that Formula 1 cars will return to Circuit de Nevers next month," said Serge Saulnier, Chairman of the Board. "We have worked tirelessly to upgrade the venue, which has just been homologated to F1 standards for another four years, and I am certain that the teams and drivers will appreciate the work that has been put in.

"What's more, this is an extremely positive step forward as we seek to return Formula 1 racing to our circuit. With Magny-Cours a candidate to host future French Grands Prix, it will be fantastic to showcase the track and our staff's know-how to the high-calibre F1 personnel who will be on-site."