Stéphane Clair leaves the management of Paul-Ricard

It was in September 2011 that Stéphane Clair was called upon to take charge of the Circuit Paul-Ricard under the Presidency of Claude Sage. Aged 40, the former independent television host-producer (La 5, France 3) who subsequently became responsible for public relations and communications at Marseille-Provence airport, was then at the head of NPO – organization and promotion of FIM/FIA Rally Raids in Tunisia and Morocco. He also founded and developed the JPMSQ – Professional Motorcycle, Scooter and Quad Exhibition.

Its mission at Castellet is to commercially develop the airport, the two hotels, the restaurants and the circuit which is opening up again to sporting events. It is a renewal that Clair will do much better than support, a multi-faceted challenge for which he will set the pace for more than a decade.

Under his leadership, Ricard will find a strategic place on the chessboard of major world motorsport events with, from 2018, the return of the French Grand Prix of Formula 1 in the Var. Since the expiration of the contract with the FOM at the end of the 2022 edition, he has worked ardently with Jean Alesi, new President of Paul Ricard since February 1, 2023, upon his new return.

With his departure, a page in the Var circuit is undeniably turning. Thus, after more than 12 years as general manager of the Excelis group, the man chose new horizons, those of the great American West where he should return to the organization of motorcycle events.

Transition period

A few weeks ago, invited to take stock of his first year as President of the circuit, Jean Alesi praised the merits of the man who was still his general director, admitting that at his side he had “discovered a lot things " !

He who thought he knew everything about the life of this place that he knew so well when he took office as President, quickly realized the reality of the work. “ We must pay tribute to the efficiency of Stéphane Clair whose skills include motorsport, but also the world of motorcycles, insisted the former driver. Classic Ferrari for sale.

He loves the circuit, is full of initiative and works on good terms with local communities. I have learned a lot over these last few months about all the daily battles that the circuit must face and the importance of which I understand better. »

As a period of transition begins on the Castellet plateau which will see Clair hand over the baton from the United States, it is up to President Alesi to find a successor. Which doesn't seem to be the easiest. Contacted by AUTOhebdo, the latter confirms that he will increase his daily presence on the site and engage in a number of consultations.

« Finding the right person is not going to be easy, because Stéphane was a very appreciated personality in addition to his skills., explains the man with 201 GP starts. It’s a page that is turning for the circuit, as others have turned before.

François Chevalier, Gérard Neveu closer to us, the circuit has always had strong figures at its head. So it's not going to be easy, but I can count on support from Stéphane over the coming months.

We had been talking about his desire to do something else for six months, and we had time to carefully plan his departure and the transition phase we were entering. I wish him much success in his new business. »

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