What should we expect from Circuit Paul Ricard in 2018?
In early December FiA chiefs announced the reintroduction of the French Grand Prix to the Formula One Calendar. I, personally, was hoping for a revival at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, a fan-favourite and home to the French Grand Prix between 1991 and 2008, but it was announced that the Circuit Paul Ricard was to take it.
The Circuit Paul Ricard was built in 1969 in the town of Le Castellet which is situated in the Marseille area of France. The name came from the main investor in the track who "wanted the experience of building a highway." Yet when it opened it was an instant success with motor racing experts deeming it as the safest motor racing circuit in the world (at its time). The track hit off with racing teams who used it for car testing, praising the temperate all year round climate and the addition of an airstrip for speed tests.
Keen to utilise the new circuit, Formula One management at the time struck deal. The French Grand Prix was held there from 1971 all the way to 1990. In the off season it came to be the proving ground for 4 times World Champion Alain Prost and helped him considerably on his meteoric rise to the pinnacle of motorsport. In the season itself, it played host to some great racing, most notable being the crazy 1985 French Grand Prix. A huge crash for Ayrton Senna and a dramatic engine failure for British star Nigel Mansell made it one of the most memorable in F1 history. Unfortunately, in the following year the tragic passing of Elio de Angelis occurred meaning the circuit was modified and ultimately ruined. The colossal Mistral Straight was shortened considerably and the high speed first corner was rebuilt making it much slower and therefore safer.
After Paul Ricard's death the track was sold to Excelis, a company owned by previous F1 chairman, Bernie Ecclestone. Ecclestone's influence on Formula One meant that the Circuit Paul Ricard was chosen as the track to host the French Grand Prix in 2018.
The image above shows the track layout that will be used for future Grand Prix's. A relatively fast left-right chicane, that is certain to cause some first lap carnage, starts off the lap. After a short run, drivers will have to deal with a tight winding complex which that unravels on itself on to the huge Mistral Straight. A detour around the Chicane Nord is the only thing that breaks up this high speed stretch. The following bend is taken almost flat out, very reminiscent of Copse at Silverstone. The lap is finished off by a series of long, sweeping curves until you reach the final corner Virage du Pont, where a good exit is vital.
I have high hopes for the 2018 French Grand Prix, even if it isn't at my desired location. I predict some exciting, high speed racing that we don't currently see enough of in Formula One. We'll just have to endure this season first!
