Paul Ricard
Push limits in the vast runoff zones of this high-speed French test facility.
Track Intelligence
Circuit Paul Ricard is primarily distinguished by its massive 1.8km Mistral Straight and its highly unique, abrasive red and blue striped runoff areas designed to slow cars down without gravel. The track layout forces a challenging compromise, mixing agonizingly slow, technical stadium sections with the terrifyingly fast, flat-out right-hander at Signes at the end of the main straight.
Because the visual reference points are often lost in the massive painted runoffs, finding precise braking markers is incredibly difficult. Track limits are a massive issue here; drivers must be heavily disciplined to keep the car on the optimal black asphalt while carrying maximum entry speed, avoiding the highly degraded grip of the painted zones.