Paul-Ricard modified to better accommodate F1 in 2018

Before hosting a French Grand Prix for the first time since 1990, Formula 1 (from June 21 to 24, 2018), the Paul-Ricard circuit in Var will undergo some modifications. Jean Alesi, ambassador of the route, went into detail about the work during a press conference in Boulogne-Billancourt (Hauts-de-Seine), Tuesday November 7.

At the end of the pit straight, the first row will be significantly reworked, in order to break the pace of the single-seaters. “The chicane will close slightly, with a wider exit. The deceleration will be more significant. Normally we should see more overtaking at this location.”, explains the former F1 winner.

The slowest corner of the circuit, located in the Sainte-Baume sector, will be enlarged. “This is where the offensives in the straight line of the mistral will be prepared. You will need to have an ideal trajectory. »

“On the Pont bend (the last on the circuit), the track will be widened at the entrance and exit. This will eventually allow the drivers to position themselves side by side, especially as the previous curve closes more. » New asphalt will also be laid upstream of the GP.

Modified vibrators

New question following Max Verstappen's penalty in Austin (United States), the track edges will also be modified according to the regulations of the International Automobile Federation (FIA). “There will be no increased vibration. The FIA ​​decides, and their latest invention is the “baguette” or “sausage”. »

Also present at the meeting, Pierre Gasly (Toro Rosso) explained the policy of the authorities regarding the limits of the track. “ With the new technical regulations, we have a lot of aerodynamic load and wider tires, which allow us to pass the curbs better than in previous years. The FIA ​​is looking for solutions, the sticks can calm us down in certain corners, but it is not ideal. »

According to the French pilot, the equation is not easy to solve. “Some circuits host F1 then the MotoGP (four tracks in 2017); It’s difficult to find a compromise between the needs of two-wheeled riders and ours. » Thus, the presence of synthetic grass (called “astroturf” in English) was greatly reduced after dangerous motorcycle falls.