Circuit Paul Ricard
f1.com wrote:
Today’s state-of-the-art venue may be new to younger F1 fans, but Le Castellet can trace its F1 origins back to the early 1970s, when it held the first of its 14 French Grands Prix to date.
Constructed in less than a year, and with famous drivers such as Jean-Pierre Beltoise and Henri Pescarolo consulted on its 5.8km layout, the Circuit Paul Ricard – named after its sponsor – opened in April 1970, before staging its maiden F1 race – won by Jackie Stewart from local hero Francois Cevert – the following year.
The track would prove a happy hunting ground for French drivers, with Rene Arnoux winning in 1982 and Alain Prost triumphing no less than four times, including the last Grand Prix at the venue in 1990, by which time it was deemed outdated for F1 purposes.
The start of the 21st century saw a rebirth under new ownership, with the transformation of the circuit into the Paul Ricard High Tech Test Track. Used (as its name suggested) exclusively for testing, its multi-configuration layout proved popular with F1 teams and set new standards in safety, pioneering the use of painted run-off areas instead of traditional gravel traps.
In 2007, the Paul Ricard HTTT was designated First centre of excellence by the FIA Institute for safety in motorsport. It opened its doors to the public again in 2009 after the construction of a new grandstand and since then has hosted several major championships.
In 2016 a deal was struck to return the French Grand Prix to the track, and prior to its 2018 revival numerous modifications have been made to both the circuit and its setting to ensure a suitably stern challenge for the drivers and an equally thrilling spectacle for race fans.
Constructed in less than a year, and with famous drivers such as Jean-Pierre Beltoise and Henri Pescarolo consulted on its 5.8km layout, the Circuit Paul Ricard – named after its sponsor – opened in April 1970, before staging its maiden F1 race – won by Jackie Stewart from local hero Francois Cevert – the following year.
The track would prove a happy hunting ground for French drivers, with Rene Arnoux winning in 1982 and Alain Prost triumphing no less than four times, including the last Grand Prix at the venue in 1990, by which time it was deemed outdated for F1 purposes.
The start of the 21st century saw a rebirth under new ownership, with the transformation of the circuit into the Paul Ricard High Tech Test Track. Used (as its name suggested) exclusively for testing, its multi-configuration layout proved popular with F1 teams and set new standards in safety, pioneering the use of painted run-off areas instead of traditional gravel traps.
In 2007, the Paul Ricard HTTT was designated First centre of excellence by the FIA Institute for safety in motorsport. It opened its doors to the public again in 2009 after the construction of a new grandstand and since then has hosted several major championships.
In 2016 a deal was struck to return the French Grand Prix to the track, and prior to its 2018 revival numerous modifications have been made to both the circuit and its setting to ensure a suitably stern challenge for the drivers and an equally thrilling spectacle for race fans.
Last race at Paul Ricard
1990 - Ivan Capelli came close to win for the first time, but engine issues meant Prost won his home race
Season standings
Timetables
all times are local (UTC+2)
Friday 22nd June
Masters Endurance Legends Practice Session 09:00 - 09:25
GP3 Series Practice Session 10:25 - 11:10
Formula 1 First Practice Session 12:00 - 13:30
FIA Formula 2 Practice Session 13:55 - 14:40
Formula 1 Second Practice Session 16:00 - 17:30
FIA Formula 2 Qualifying Session 17:55 - 18:25
GP3 Series Qualifying Session 18:50 - 19:20
Saturday 23rd June
Masters Endurance Legends Qualifying Session 09:30 - 09:55
GP3 Series First Race (20 Laps or 40 Mins) 11:30 - 12:15
Formula 1 Third Practice Session 13:00 - 14:00
Formula 1 Qualifying Session 16:00 - 17:00
FIA Formula 2 First Race (30 Laps or 60 Mins) 17:45 - 18:50
Masters Endurance Legends First Race (TBC Laps or 25 Mins) 19:15 - 19:45
Sunday 24th June
Masters Endurance Legends Second Race (TBC Laps or 25 Mins) 09:15 - 09:45
GP3 Series Second Race (15 Laps or 30 Mins) 10:50 - 11:25
FIA Formula 2 Second Race (21 Laps or 45 Mins) 12:00 - 12:50
Formula 1 Grand Prix (53 Laps or 120 Mins) 16:10 - 18:10
During World Cup, Formula One goes back to Paul Ricard for an eyesore
