Inching through heavy traffic on the inner ring road in Birmingham - or even worse being brought to a complete halt in a seemingly endless jam - you may find it hard to remember, or imagine, that this was the very road that some of the world’s most famous racing car drivers have competed in.
It’s been a few decades since Birmingham hosted the Superprix with the likes of Eddie Irvine, Jean Alesi, Heinz-Harold Frentzen and Mark Blundell riding around town. The circuit hosted international racing series including, Formula 3000, Formula Ford and also British Touring Cars.
We might not have had the waterfront views boasted by the Monaco Grand Prix, but thousands of Brummies turned out for the spectacular spectacle held between 1986 and 1990.
The route was based primarily along Belgrave Middleway, and then through into the back streets of Digbeth.
The press office was based in the aptly named Monaco House on Bristol Street, which is due to be re-developed as New Monaco - a lasting testament to the groundbreaking event.
Here’s a look back at nine photos from the Birmingham Grand Prix in 1989 and 1990:
1. Birmingham Superprix 1988
Roberto Moreno drives thje #42 Bromley Motorsport Reynard 88D Cosworth during the FIA International F3000 Championship Halfords Birmingham Superprix race on 29th August 1988 on the streets of Birmingham, Great Britain. (Photo by Pascal Rondeau/Getty Images)
2. Birmingham Superprix 1988
Crowds of spectators watch the race action during the FIA International F3000 Championship Halfords Birmingham Superprix race on 29th August 1988 on the streets of Birmingham, Great Britain. (Photo by Pascal Rondeau/Getty Images)
3. Birmingham Superprix 1989
Jean Alesi drives the #4 Eddie Jordan Racing Reynard 89D Mugen during the FIA International F3000 Championship Halfords Birmingham Superprix race on 28th August 1989 on the streets of Birmingham, Great Britain. (Photo by Pascal Rondeau/Getty Images)
4. Fizzing with success at the Birmingham Superprix 1989
Jean Alesi driver of the #4 Eddie Jordan Racing Reynard 89D Mugen celebrates by spraying champagne after winning the FIA International F3000 Championship Halfords Birmingham Superprix race on 28th August 1989 on the streets of Birmingham, Great Britain. (Photo by Pascal Rondeau/Getty Images)