Facts and Figures about the Circuit Paul Ricard

• The circuit was opened on 19 April 1970 with finance form pastis magnate Paul Ricard.
• The circuit hosted the Formula One Grand Prix from 1971 to 1990.
• The highlight of the circuit was the 1.8km Mistral Straight followed by the high-speed right hander at Signes.
• In 1999 the circuit was sold to Excelis, a company owned by Bernie Ecclestone, and the track was rebuilt into an advanced test track, known at the Paul Ricard HTTT (High Tech Test Track).
• The current circuit is 5.791km.
• The circuit is known for its distinctive coloured runoff areas.  The surface of the ‘blue zone’ is a mixture of asphalt and tungsten and the ‘red zone’ has a more abrasive surface to maximise tyre grip and minimise braking distances.  This approach meant the use of gravel traps was not needed.
• The Le Mans Series first used the Circuit Paul Ricard for the official pre season test in March 2008.
• It wasn’t until 11 April 2010 that the Le Mans Series held a race – the 8 Heures du Castellet.
• The 8 Heures du Castellet was won by Dindo Capello and Allan McNish in the LMP1 class Audi Sport Team Joest Audi R15 TDI and also set the fastest lap of 1m42.541.
• The European Le Mans Series has held a race at Le Castellet every year since 2011.  In 2012 the race was the season opener and in 2013 the race was the season finale.
• LMP2 Lap Record is currently 1m49.369 (190.6 kph) set on 1^st April 2012 by Mathias Beche in the no46 Thiriet by TDS Racing Oreca03-Nissan.
• LMGTE Lap Record is currently 1m56.735 (178.6kph) set on 14^th September 2014 by Andrea Bertolini in the no55 AF Corse Ferrari 458 Italia.
• LMP3 Lap Record is currently 1m55.151 (181.0kph) set on 28^th August 2016 by Nigel Moore in the no26 Tockwith Motorsports Ligier JS P3-Nissan.

35 cars will take part in the 4 Hours of Le Castellet on the 27 of August. CLICK HERE to download the entry list.