French Grand Prix: On Thursday, the “summer race” is getting ready

During a race weekend, the action starts on Friday with the first practice session. However, organizing a Grand Prix takes place in several stages.

From the beginning of the week, teams move in and the organizer begins their preparation.

An afternoon to finish the installations

So that spectators can follow the progress of the sessions, whether they are on-site or on television, significant logistical means are implemented.

This involves the installation of giant screens, sound systems on the circuit, and all the technical setup so that cameramen can set up their equipment and broadcast the show worldwide.

Here, technicians are finishing setting up the stage:

The teams are training

Even if the gestures are known and repeated many times throughout the races, throughout the seasons, it is necessary for the mechanics to familiarize themselves with each circuit.

On Thursday, they install the single-seaters in the stands. They start some adjustments and check that everything is in working order.

Discover George Russell’s Williams being assembled:

Markers are placed on the pit lane so that the driver stops at the desired location. And above all, teams spend a lot of time simulating tire and wing changes, as here at AlphaTauri and Ferrari:

The mechanics must also keep fit, so at Ferrari they have their group fitness program to follow.

At the end of the day, free time on the track.

For the French Grand Prix, at 6:00 p.m. the track is open and each of the participants can access it to go for a run, cycle, or walk around the layout with their engineers.

This is how you can come across Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, or Valtteri Bottas cycling or walking. Or the Canal+ team relaxing before three busy days.