Stephen Read

I can't seem to find any offical website for this place.

I believe that Bernie Eccle$tone bought it a couple of years ago and spent a fortune turning it into a testing venue.

Might have the chance to do some driving there in the summer but want to find out more about the set-up.

Cheers,
Stephen

Claudius

Friend of mine went there, supposed to be awesome.

I went there before the change, 4 years ago...

Brun

All i know is that the straight is quite long.

Stephen Read

Thanks guys.

Anyone else?

PS. I had a quick look around the place 7 years ago whilst on holiday in the area and it was a bit derelict then. Apparently Bernie has bulldozed the old pits/grandstands and built some new structures but I don't think that there are any plans to hold races there anymore, just testing etc..

PPS. The road heading south from the circuit is one of the best drivers roads in France but sadly it is the one on which Frank Williams sufferd the spinal injuries which have left him in a chair for life - he was the unlucky passenger in a Sierra hire car I believe that came of the road and landed shiny-side down. The driver escaped without serious injury IIRC.

Tommy 2000

The 24 hour bike race 'Bol d'Or' was held there every year up until a couple of years ago. Maybe if you search for that you will find info about the circuit...

what would scooby do

I could ask Bernie next time I see him if there is a website etc...

Floyd

iTrader: (9)

IIRC it has been turned into a high speed test track. I saw something about it in the Jan EVO or Top Gear I think.

F

Ralf

Was there last summer because I too remembered public track days and Race Teams testing. However the main guard (from his attitude, and none of the others talked) told me it belongs to Bernie Ecclestone and no, it wasn't open foe the pubil any more, no, really no chance. The place really changed into a tidier place now.

Which road to the south? the one to La Ciotat? I drive that one almost every year when I'm there. All small roads in that vicinity are great (that's why I go there). Or the one to Toulon?

WaxBoy

It's me here under me alter-ego....

The road I am referring to is the N8 south of the cicuit to Le Beausset.

Stephen

Ralf

Thanks. It's noted for a Scoobynet praisal run next summer

RobinSherwood

Hi,

I went to Paul Ricard in '98, thought it was great fun but not my favourite European circuit by any means.

I found you needed a while there to make the most of it as the track has few landmarks to help you learn the circuit and if you are only having fun you don't want to fall off!

Still a grest place though.

BTW I am fairly sure Sir Frank was the driver of the car in which he was sadly injured. I am sure I have heard him interviewed where he has put his hands up and said the accident was his own fault....... not sure about this though.

Cheers

Robin