Location: Le Castellet, Var , France
Construction year: 1970
Approval: FIA 1st degree
Length: 5,861km
Turns: 15
Best lap: Lewis Hamilton in 2019 - 1mn 28s 319 in Mercedes AMG F1 W10EQ Power+
Highlights of Paul Ricard's
The circuit was born in 1970 under the leadership of Paul Ricard with the advice of Jean-Pierre Beltoise and a few other experts in motor sports.
In 1982, six french drivers were on the grid of the french Grand Prix. Four of them finished at the four first positions of the race, René Arnoux and Alain Prost made it one-two for Renault for the first time.
In 1989, Alain Prost won just in front of Nigel Mansell, but it's a new young french driver Jean Alesi that made an achievement in starting 26th and finishing 4th of an intense race! This performance guaranted him a contract for the next season and also a beautifull carrier.
Designated the First Center of Excellence by the FIA institute for motor sport safety, 2005, homologated by the FIA in 2006, the circuit has re-opened its doors to the public in 2009 and now hosts events motor racing and bike, as well as runs a number of clubs and marketing operations.
Driver's point of view
The path, of oblong form, is characterized by the long straight line of the Mistral. Long (1.8 km), it can be altered by the chicane north which was built in 1986.
The double right turn called le Beausset is one of the most difficult curves to apprehend because there are as much possible path as there are drivers!
What a thrill to reach the limits!