Circuit Paul Ricard

[raymondu999]

Hey folks.

As it looks like Spa will be alternating with Paul Ricard starting 2013 (a la Nurburgring/Hockenheim) I just wanted to get your opinions on the circuit. How do you like it, etc etc

As per grid walker's suggestion of showing the circuit in modern action, here's highlights from the 2011 GT1 race on the circuit:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P1TbMwjslE[/youtube]

And in fact, here's the qualifying race from GT1 (never mind the qualifying freference; just take this as a benchmark for the modern Paul Ricard:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbwBUdmCA5k[/youtube]

[gridwalker]

I'm going to withold judgement on Paul Ricard, as I've not seen any action from the circuit since Bernie invested a ton of money into the place to upgrade it into a multi-layout test track with integrated sprinklers. Still, I can pretty much guarantee that I won't enjoy Paul Ricard as much as I would Spa : the track in the Ardennes is one of my favourite places in the whole world

At least Spa isn't vanishing completely, but two years is a long time to wait for a fix!

[raymondu999]

Nothing can replace Spa. It's one of the must haves. But at least it's not being completely dropped.

Also, GT1 still uses it; so we can look at the GT1 Paul Ricard race for a bit of a benchmark, I guess

[gridwalker]

Do we have any links to a video of the modern Paul Ricard in action? That'd be a good starting point for discussion ...

[Lycoming]

F1 just isn't right without spa on the calendar. Its right up there with Monaco, Silverstone and Monza.

[raymondu999]

Do we have any links to a video of the modern Paul Ricard in action? That'd be a good starting point for discussion ...

Done

[marcush.]

Paul Ricard is a very challenging circuit with a one ultra quick corner(Signes) and a very long straight.
But as of today Ricard was rebuilt by Toyota as a test track and there is some 5000 cpacity grandstand and no infrastructure for a Formula1 race todays?
Do i read correctly they got 12 pit garages?

http://www.circuitpaulricard.com/templa ... -piste.pdf

[dave34m]

the track in the Ardennes is one of my favourite places in the whole world

Amen to that, a really special place. I'm surpised they would not want a race there every year, drivers and fans all love it.

[gridwalker]

After Ricard's death, the track was sold to Excelis, a company owned by Formula One promoter Bernie Ecclestone, in 1999. The track has since been rebuilt into a very advanced test track. It is now known as the Paul Ricard High Tech Test Track (Paul Ricard HTTT).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_Paul_Ricard

Interesting. I wonder what special terms Bernie gives himself as a circuit owner?

Thanks for posting up those videos; I'll watch them tomorrow when I'm less tired.

[raymondu999]

Rewatching the GT1 races at Paul Ricard this year; I don't like the paint job for one thing. It's too reminiscent of Yas Marina

Also; there were some shots which looked incredibly open; it was almost like the cars were driving in the middle of nowhere. I wonder how an F1 car would look there; though I'm sure those would make for some lovely shots.

[Mandrake]

Having driven the Paul Ricard HTTT in rFactor I believe it will offer good racing in F1. There are some blind corners, some challenging turns as well as very long straights. To replace Spa is a bad idea though

[gridwalker]

Bernie wanted night races. Bernie got night races.

Bernie now wants artificially wet races.

A circuit known for its climate (Spa) is in financial trouble, so Bernie arranges a deal by alternating the race with a circuit that he owns and which just happens to have a built in sprinkler system. Coincidence? I'm not sure.

Could this deal be the gateway to racing under sprinklers?


That is my conspiracy theory for the day. I'll take my tin foil hat off now.

[mep]

IMHO we don't need a track like Paul Ricard. It has nothing to over which other circuits don't have. I guess even Berni himself doesn't like to have it for a GP. It is just a way to put pressure on the other circuits.
Similar like Brands Hatch is always brought up to challenge Silverstone.

[HampusA]

F1 just isn't right without spa on the calendar. Its right up there with Monaco, Silverstone and Monza.

Think you forgot one track
The best one.

[HampusA]

Imagine the Pirellis if you get it wrong in the race and spin or go off-track...