The Paul Ricard circuit is ready!
The question was nagging many observers and motorsport professionals: is the Paul Ricard circuit in Castellet capable of hosting large-scale automotive competitions? This weekend, with the organization of the World Series by Renault, the French site gave us a strong answer.
The debate is raging in the world of motorsport, particularly in Formula 1, about the possibility of organizing a Grand Prix in the near future at the Castellet site, on the Paul Ricard circuit.
Since 2009, and thanks to the arrival of its director, Gérard Neveu, the Circuit du Castellet has been gradually opening up to the public and large-scale competition.
At the beginning of 2011, the circuit hosted a round of the LeMans Series with the presence of the majority of prototypes (Pescarolo, Peugeot…) and drivers (Mansell, Fisichella, Alesi…) who were going to participate in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Last weekend, the Paul Ricard crossed another milestone by being the venue for the only French round of the World Series By Renault.
This grand event actually brings together all the disciplines and categories of the French manufacturer Renault in motor sports. The Formulas 2.0 and 3.5, but also the Eurocup Megane Trophy, the Eurocup Clio, demonstrations of Formula 1 (old or recent) entrusted to renowned drivers (Prost father and son, Romain Grosjean…), and tons of activities and stands focused around the diamond-brand.
Beyond the friendly and convivial aspect of such a gathering, the proximity and appeal to the public are enhanced by free entry and full access to the paddocks and the circuit, allowing spectators to experience the event from the inside.
This was a first for Paul Ricard, resulting in flawless organization and complete public engagement. Over 60,000 people attended over the two days of the weekend, delighting Gérard Neveu: « We are very happy today to be the venue for the French round of the World Series By Renault 2011. It is a great challenge in every sense of the word, which will lead to others… »
Obviously, these few words will continue to fuel the most persistent rumors regarding the organization of a future French Grand Prix on the circuit starting in 2013…
Even though the negotiations are real, nothing is definitive yet, and the circuit leaders prefer to advocate caution by neither confirming nor denying this information.
In the meantime, the French drivers are excited at the idea of finally racing on this legendary track. Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso test driver in Formula 1 and winner of the French round of Formula Renault 3.5 at Le Castellet this weekend, does not hide his enthusiasm: « Racing in a beautiful country, in a beautiful region! Le Castellet is a legendary circuit. For my very first race here, it’s an incredible feeling to win! »
Romain Grosjean, present on site this weekend to perform driving demonstrations at the wheel of a 2010 Renault F1, is on the same wavelength: It’s a special emotion to finally drive a Formula 1 car on French soil.
The new director of the HTTT (High Tech Test Track) at Castellet, Stéphane Clair, who will take up his position on September 26, is also confident about the future of the circuit which is in his hands: Today, at the Paul Ricard circuit, we are waiting for the decision that is not ours to make. We are ready in case, actively collaborating with the working committee created on the initiative of François Fillon with Gilles Dufeigneux. They are the ones handling this matter. The decision is imminent anyway, because to be included in the 2013 calendar, we must not delay too much. In any case, the circuit meets the current specifications of the FIA.
There is a lot of talk about a possible alternation between France and Belgium for hosting a Grand Prix, but the main information from this race weekend at the Paul Ricard circuit is that it is capable and perfectly ready to host Formula 1.
