The layout of the French GP unveiled

The Formula 1 French Grand Prix, which will take place from June 21 to 24, 2018, is on track! A press conference was organized at the Paul Ricard circuit to present the layout that the single-seaters will follow next year and to specify the upcoming important dates for the event, such as the opening of ticket sales scheduled for mid-November this year.

As planned, the chosen layout among the multiple combinations offered by the track is a very fast 5.8 km route, where Formula 1 cars are expected to reach 350 km/h at the end of the Mistral straight, which is split in two by a chicane. The track will be widened at the entry or exit, sometimes both, at the Verrerie S, the Camp corner, and at the end of the third sector at the Bridge corner. The goal is to provide space for braking and acceleration, offering different trajectories for a better balance of smoothness and overtaking. At the Verrerie, the entry angle into the sequence will be significantly tightened to emphasize braking at the end of the pit straight, as Jean Alesi, recently appointed ambassador of the French Grand Prix, further specifies.

According to Jean Alesi, the drivers to whom he has already shown the track are eager to participate in the race: « On my initiative, this track has been presented to different drivers. They are the best suited to assess the quality of the challenge that will be offered to them and the overtaking opportunities that a circuit can offer. Like Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, or Kimi Räikkönen, they are all enthusiastic about the prospect of racing at Circuit Paul Ricard. »

14 editions of the French Grand Prix took place at the Paul Ricard circuit between 1971 and 1990. The last Formula 1 race organized on French soil occurred in 2008 at Magny-Cours and resulted in a victory for Felipe Massa driving a Ferrari. Will the Brazilian be there again next year to try for a repeat win?