PAUL RICARD’S NEW LOOK

THE 3.6-MILE VERSION OF the Paul Ricard circuit that will be used for the revived French Grand Prix will be largely familiar to those who remember the truncated configuration used from 1986-90. The most obvious change is the addition of a chicane on the iconic Mistral Straight.

Even with the straight cut in half, the cars are expected to exceed 210mph on the approach both to the chicane and the famous Signes right-hander that follows. It’s hoped that it will be possible to overtake into the chicane and even on the run into Signes.

This exact configuration has not been used by F1 cars in dry conditions, although Pirelli has tested there in wet conditions in the past.

The track uses the same ultra-smooth surface material as has been laid at Barcelona and Silverstone, meaning Pirelli will use its reduced-thickness-tread tyres for the second time this season. These were first used for the Spanish Grand Prix and are 0.4mm thinner than the normal specification to protect against blistering. Although Ferrari’s drivers criticised the change in Spain, after trying the standard tyres in the post-race test Sebastian Vettel said he believed Pirelli had done the right thing by changing the rubber.

“Turn 1 is a bit tighter and they have opened the entry of a couple of hairpins, so it might change a little bit,” says Toro Rosso driver

Pierre Gasly, who raced at Paul Ricard in Formula Renault 3.5, Formula Renault 2.0 and French F4. “I heard the Tarmac is faster now, so I expect it to be pretty quick, especially with these new cars.”

It’s anticipated that there will be DRS zones on the start/finish straight and on the Mistral, with the braking zone into the chicane the most likely overtaking spot. It’s not clear which of the leading cars the track should favour, although the straights mean it will likely either be Mercedes or Ferrari that has the edge.