Circuit Paul Ricard, Motorsport racing track in Le Castellet, France
Circuit Paul Ricard is a motorsport racing track in Le Castellet, France, stretching over 5,842 meters and known for its long Mistral Straight. The facility features colored run-off zones made from special asphalt mixtures that slow down vehicles in a controlled way after they leave the track.
The racing track opened in April 1970 after drinks industrialist Paul Ricard funded the project. From 1971 to 1990, it regularly hosted the Formula One French Grand Prix.
The name honors pastis producer Paul Ricard, who funded the project in the late 1960s. On race days, spectators bring folding chairs and umbrellas to watch cars pass along the straights and hear the roar of engines echoing across the hills.
The complex sits about 30 minutes from Marseille and is reachable via the A50 motorway, with links to three regional airports. On event days, it helps to arrive early and bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the Provençal sun can be intense.
The blue and red zones contain tungsten mixed into the asphalt, creating different braking effects to help drivers bring vehicles to a safe stop after leaving the track. These colored surfaces were later adopted by other racing circuits around the world.
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