French GP: Challenge succeeded for the organizers, the spectators satisfied!
After the controversies related to the traffic difficulties at the 2018 French Grand Prix on the Paul Ricard circuit, the organizers had to react. Following the implementation of numerous improvements, we surveyed the spectators to get their perspective on this new edition, and overall satisfaction is clearly evident.
With 135,000 spectators accumulated over the weekend, the French GP is once again a popular success. Despite last year’s organizational issues, the public trusted the responsiveness of the authorities. After gauging public opinion throughout the weekend, everything suggests that the measures taken by the organizers have been effective.
Surveyed, this couple from Marseille is surprised by the ease of access just before Saturday’s qualifications: « It looks better organized compared to last year. We came by scooter but it wasn’t necessary. We just have to enjoy it now. »
This father and his six-year-old son, for their part, admit having been apprehensive about accessing the circuit: « We left Aix-en-Provence at 8:15 am and arrived at 9:20 am. We anticipated potential traffic jams by leaving early and had no problems. »
« We experienced panic last year, stuck for six hours in the car under the blazing sun » this man from Marseille and his group of friends tells us. « This time, we parked in La Ciotat to take the shuttle and honestly, it was perfect. My friend came by car and it took him less time than during the week, leaving at 9 am ».
Asked at midday on Saturday, this national gendarmerie motorcyclist confirmed the success of the plan implemented by the organization: « Everything is smooth, no difficulty accessing the circuit. »
If Sunday was slightly slower due to the significantly higher number of spectators compared to previous days, access still went smoothly. With many parking areas available, and even though some required a bit of off-road driving skills, no congestion was reported.
Only one traffic jam at the end of the Grand Prix was reported, but it is clear that the evacuation of 135,000 spectators involves some challenges. That said, by the end of the day, around 8 p.m., traffic was perfectly smooth.
If only the spectacle was lacking during the race, let’s congratulate the organization which was up to the task and knew how to react in the best possible way.
The 3-day passes for the 2020 edition are already on sale with a 30% discount until next August 4th! Visit https://www.gpfrance.com/ to take advantage!
From our special correspondent at Castellet
