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Circuit Paul Ricard

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Located in the Var department, between the municipalities of Signes and Castellet, the Circuit Paul Ricard is a racing circuit in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region. The circuit was created in 1970 by Paul Ricard, mayor of Signes and French entrepreneur. We owe him the invention of the famous pastis Ricard.

There is no doubt about the reasons for the success of the Circuit Paul Ricard : with a capacity of more than 90,000 spectators, it is often ranked in the top 10 of the best circuits in France. But the peculiarity of the course that makes this track unique is its modular composition. Indeed, this circuit offers no less than 247 different track solutions! From 828 meters to 5,858 meters, each possibility offers dynamic sequences to create flowing races. The strong point of this route is its long straight line. Called “the Mistral”, it measures 1.8 km and represents a key space in the strategies of motor races. It allows drivers to perform a great acceleration in order to reach their top speed and stay or come back in the race!

Get your fill of sensation at each bend and go discover the Castellet circuit in the heart of Provence.

Circuit events

If there is one emblematic race in the field of the automobile sport, it is the Formula 1 Grand Prix. The circuit Paul Ricard had the privilege, 16 times, to host the annual edition of the Great Price of France. 14 of these races took place from 1971 to 1990, thus allowing the visibility of the course of Provence on an international scale. Besides, it is on this circuit that the quadruple world champion of Formula 1 Alain Prost won 4 times (in particular with the Alpine of Renault, with McLaren-Honda and with Ferrari). Renovated in 2002, the track was accredited by the International Automobile Federation in 2006.

But the Formula 1 Grand Prix is far from being the only event on the circuit. The track has, among other things, hosted in 2019 the Grand Prix of the Truck French Championship. This event, as original as it is fascinating, puts enormous cars in competition with pilots whose profiles will surprise you! Truck racing is a passion passed down from father to son, so there is no age to get behind the wheel!

Two-wheeler enthusiasts will not be left on the side-lines. Since 1980, the Circuit Paul Ricard has organized the Bol d’Or, an endurance motorcycle competition. This now century-old race is a benchmark in the motorcycle world, as it is renowned for being the first 24-hour race in the world. On the circuit of Castellet, there are as many races as spectators!

Many services

On site, you can enjoy many activities that will allow you to understand each curve of the track in a unique way! Do you dream of discovering the adrenaline of laps? Organize your first driving lesson and pick up speed, accompanied by an experienced driver who will know how to provide an exceptional experience in complete safety.

Amateur or informed driver, come to improve your driving technique while taking part in a training course supervised by qualified monitors. The GTDrive company offers you a customizable course according to your preferences and desires: track, number of laps and even car! Drive the car you’ve always dreamed of: Ferrari 458, Porsche 991 GT3, Lamborghini Huracan, Ferrari 488 GTB, Porsche Cayman and many other are waiting for you on the Paul Ricard circuits.

Ideal for a young audience (but not only!), The French Karting School is a driving school which allows drivers to learn the basics of driving from an early age in order to later become responsible drivers. Classes are open to adults and children from 7 years old and 1m30.

Finally, make a strong impression on your customers and co-workers by booking the VIP lodges off the circuit: a comfortable, high standing space with a panoramic view of the circuit. Everything is planned to make your corporate event a memorable one: Welcome pack, modular rooms, restaurants, terraces, hotels and various activities are waiting for you!

To discover around the circuit

In Provence, you can access a wide variety of activities without having to travel hundreds of kilometres. Close by the circuit, the Sainte-Baume regional parc can give you a break in the country, far away from the tumults of the city. Visit the park of Saint-Pons, with its typical vegetation of the garigue, its rivers and its shaded paths.

Open the doors of the Lou Capelan vineyard for a visit to the cellars and a tasting of Bandol wines. Grape varieties, manual harvesting, vinification, come and perfect your knowledge of the working of the land and discover the history of an unparalleled family domain.

To conclude, after all these experiences on dry land, go on an adventure at sea and learn about the joys of scuba diving. Beginner or experienced diver, take the plunge and come admire all the wonders the Mediterranean Sea has to offer.

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