The Paul-Ricard Circuit resurfaced: better grip and removal of stagnant water

New renovation work was recently carried out on the Circuit Paul-Ricard (Var). In the company of Colas, world leader in the construction and maintenance of transport infrastructure and Dromo, world leader in the construction, upkeep and maintenance of transport infrastructure, the Var track was entitled to a discount in beauty.

Italian engineers from Dromo brought to Paul-Ricard a digital rendering of the water flows on the route and created a design to facilitate their evacuation. In addition, Colas and Paul-Ricard workers planed the track by four centimeters. 

Asphalt resurfacing subsequently took place. The composition of the coating was kept secret to respond to the thermal amplitude of the Signes plateau and the high rate of use of the circuit. This work, lasting 12 days, resulted in the resurfacing of 50 square meters, and were verified by several laser scan analyses.

Concretely, these works will eradicate treacherous crossing water flows and water stagnation. Tire wear will be reduced, and the circuit promises “very even grip”.

“For years, the Circuit Paul-Ricard has been a pioneer in terms of technological innovations, recalls Stéphane Clair, General Director of the Var complex. DOn our own initiative, we invest 5% of our turnover each year in order to maintain our facilities at the best level. 

I am delighted with the work that our teams, those of the Dromo studio and Colas, have undertaken together, but I am even more satisfied with the respect of our commitments in terms of sustainable development. Thanks to the techniques undertaken, we have controlled the quantity of materials used and been able to limit them to what is strictly necessary for optimal results. »

Jarno Zaffelli, head of Dromo, details his work for the circuit hosting the French Grand Prix of Formula 1. “Our mission was to supervise the work related to the resurfacing of this legendary circuit. This task required multiple visits, more than 3 hours of work, including 000 on site. 

Dromo approached this collaboration with a long-term vision. For the next four years, our study teams will be able to improve their skills and technologies with direct tests on one of the most innovative circuits in the world. We really enjoyed our cooperation with Colas, a company that needs no introduction. Our experts and theirs have pooled their know-how to enable this project to be carried out. »

For Christophe Fontaine, Colas agency head, does not hide his pride at the end of this work. “This project, carried out in synergy with the Circuit Paul Ricard and Dromo teams, excited us! It represented a technical challenge, and allowed us to combine our expertise with that of two other players at the forefront of innovation.​

Colas, which has numerous French and international automobile circuit references, has recognized expertise on this type of site, including considerable progress in terms of coating, tire adhesion to the road and road safety. 

The progress of this operation and the fact of being able to deliver a result that meets our client's expectations, within the allotted time, constitutes satisfaction for the Colas teams. »