French Grand Prix host Paul Ricard is set to hold tyre testing sessions in association with Formula 1 supplier Pirelli later this year, as the circuit prepares for its return to the calendar next season.
Paul Ricard announced in December that it had secured a five-year deal to host a Formula 1 race from 2018 to 2023, marking the return of the French Grand Prix after a prolonged absence.
The French Grand Prix last appeared on the schedule in 2008, at Magny Cours, while Paul Ricard has hosted 14 Grands Prix, most recently on the short circuit in 1990.
For 2018, Formula 1 will return to Paul Ricard, with Circuit Director Stéphane Clair confirming to Motorsport Week that Pirelli test sessions will take place at the venue later this year.
Pirelli, which conducted wet running at Paul Ricard with selected teams in January 2016, and with Mercedes last September, is permitted to carry out 25 days of tyre testing across the course of 2017, and three of those test sessions will take place at the French circuit later this year.
Clair also confirmed that progress has been ongoing at the venue since December’s announcement.
“A general meeting took place at the circuit [recently] organised by the GIP (public interest group),” he said.
"The president of the 'GIP' and his counsellors have been nominated. The banking guarantee necessary for the French GP had been recently obtained.
“We will continue to work with FOM [Formula One Management] members regarding public areas organisation, technical improvement of the track layout.
“Public grandstands and parking areas will be created. More information will be revealed later this year.
“F1 is an excellent way for our region to present itself to the world this will be an unbeatable advert for local tourism.”
Clair also confirmed that Paul Ricard is expecting to receive a late July/August date on the 2018 calendar, with the circuit currently the only addition to next year’s roster.
Formula 1’s leading feeder series, currently GP2 and GP3, are also set to be included on the support race package across the course of the weekend.
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