Viva la France

[stripedcat]

Anyone else happy that France has a Grand Prix for next year?

It's at Paul Ricard, which is owned by one Bernie Ecclestone. Have you heard of him? I admit, that the new Mistral Straight lacks the edge of the old one. It is however, better than Magnys-Bors. I wouldn't say that the circuit is in the same class as Suzuka or Spa, but it certainly has a little sparkle(and that's just the multi-coloured run-offs! ).

[BSchneiderFan]

Yes, it's good to come back to the home of grand prix racing, and Paul Ricard will do just fine. Best available track in France.

[bella]

if you think it's going to produce better races than magny cours then it's going to be a bit disappointing. never seen a decent single seater race round there that hasn't involved relying on a lack of track limits penalties to complete passes, or freak rain showers.

but anything's better than another race at another country that has no racing heritage.

[Aysedasi]

Having just spent a wonderful 10 days in a beautiful country with some splendid people, I like to think they deserve it.....

[Langers]

Perfectly located next to the airport for the private jets to get in and out.

[stripedcat]

Originally Posted by bella

if you think it's going to produce better races than magny cours then it's going to be a bit disappointing. never seen a decent single seater race round there that hasn't involved relying on a lack of track limits penalties to complete passes, or freak rain showers.

but anything's better than another race at another country that has no racing heritage.

Hmmm - okay, we'll have to wait and see on the overtaking front. Especially now that the Mistral Straight has been neutered.

I also hear that the Rosé wine from the nearby vineyards is very good. So, that's another reason to visit there.

[Akrapovic]

Having just watched the 6 hour Blancpain race there, I think people are forgetting about track limits. Paul Ricard is the ultimate car park and got a lot of abuse from the GT guys.

France needs a new track. They shouldn't use Le Mans, Magny Cours was fun, and the rest are in a state. We should be going to France but somewhere needs brought up to spec.

[BSchneiderFan]

Dijon?

[Aysedasi]

Originally Posted by BSchneiderFan

Dijon?

With merguez..... Mmmmm

[Tourer]

.....or even "Vive La France".

Good outcome - hopefully having a French GP again might have some positives for the racing industry in France.

[BSchneiderFan]

It is extraordinary, isn't it, that France only has one world champion and Italy two.

[fieldodreams79]

Originally Posted by bella

if you think it's going to produce better races than magny cours then it's going to be a bit disappointing. never seen a decent single seater race round there that hasn't involved relying on a lack of track limits penalties to complete passes, or freak rain showers.

but anything's better than another race at another country that has no racing heritage.

^This.

Loved Magny Cours and PR has never really inspired me...

And COTA is better than no USGP

[fieldodreams79]

Originally Posted by BSchneiderFan

It is extraordinary, isn't it, that France only has one world champion and Italy two.

It is. USA has two, while we're counting. Well, wait. USA has 1 and Italy has 3.

[bauble]

Originally Posted by fieldodreams79

It is. USA has two, while we're counting. Well, wait. USA has 1 and Italy has 3.

One assumes that Mario completes the trio?

Finland has 2, as has Germany, although quite where we put our current Champion would alter these statistics.

[bauble]

I believe it is to the sport's everlasting shame that the French Grand Epreuve was dropped in the first place.
The very source of the term Grand Prix.

Madness, it must come back even if it is on a kart track.

[BSchneiderFan]

Realistically, it's either Ricard or Magny Cours, and I prefer the former. Rouen would be nice...

[bauble]

Originally Posted by BSchneiderFan

Realistically, it's either Ricard or Magny Cours, and I prefer the former. Rouen would be nice...

Reims would be even better.

[S griffin]

I'm so glad that F1 is returning to it's birthplace, but at the same time annoyed, that it left it for so long. And while we're at it, isn't it great to see Germany return too

[Aysedasi]

Originally Posted by bauble

Reims would be even better.

Now that gets my vote - I might even go and watch a GP live again.......

[Aysedasi]

Originally Posted by S griffin

I'm so glad that F1 is returning to it's birthplace, but at the same time annoyed, that it left it for so long. And while we're at it, isn't it great to see Germany return too

Only on penalties though.........

[BSchneiderFan]

A related thought: where have all the French drivers gone? Jarier, Pironi, Jabouille, Beltoise, Arnoux, Tambay and of course Prost. Is it the decline of Elf money and the demise of French F3? O'Connor is promising, but who else is there? When will we next see a French GP winner?

[bauble]

Originally Posted by BSchneiderFan

A related thought: where have all the French drivers gone? Jarier, Pironi, Jabouille, Beltoise, Arnoux, Tambay and of course Prost. Is it the decline of Elf money and the demise of French F3? O'Connor is promising, but who else is there? When will we next see a French GP winner?

You forgot Chiron, Behra, Trintignant, Rosiier!

[Adam43]

Originally Posted by bauble

Reims would be even better.

Reims has just renovated their pits! Whereas Rouen lost theirs. Both have lost bits to road developments.

However, I think Rouen is the better circuit. Certainly scarier. I suspect we might get better racing at Reims.

[S griffin]

Rouen could still be used, just need new pits and slight diversions, same with Reims, although at least the pits and grandstand are still there and in good nick

[Mike E]

Paul Ricard is awful. Essentially a massive slab of asphalt with some squiggly lines painted on it, and multiple layout options which make it look like the cars are constantly getting lost.
It was re-purposed as a test track and it shows.