Extensive tailbacks on the roads leading to Paul Ricard have blighted the opening day of track action for the returning French Grand Prix.
Road access at Paul Ricard is tricky, with the circuit located on a plateau around 400 metres above sea level in the hilly Var region, and concerns had been raised in the build-up to the event.
One of the primary access roads from the A50 motorway has been closed to through traffic and is passable only for those who work in the sport – and its support series – leaving the DN8 from La Beausset as a main access road, with a one-way system implemented for fans.
Vast swathes of spectators vented frustration on social media over the substantial delays, with minimal progress, and a lack of assistance from event organisers.
It meant that several grandstands were sparsely populated during the opening day of track action upon Formula 1’s return to France after a decade-long absence.
Towards the end of the second practice session, a statement was issued by the FIA on behalf of information received from the Var Prefecture, the local authorities responsible for traffic management.
“Race fans came out in strong numbers for the first day of the Formula 1 Grand Prix de France,” read a statement.
“Traffic was particularly dense between 10am and 1pm
“To address the situation, the authorities and the event organisers have taken the following decision: to open all available car parks simultaneously (25,000 spaces) and to temporarily double the lanes of traffic in the immediate vicinity of Circuit Paul Ricard.
“The situation is gradually improving.”
