DOSSIER DE PRESSE en PDF

INTRODUCTION
A race circuit opened to the spectators.
Since 2009 the circuit Paul Ricard is again linked to competition and racing.
Homologated by FIA, FFSA & FFM, the track hosts official car and motorbike races.
According to the latest generation security standards and equipped with topof-the-range facilities, the circuit Paul Ricard chose to professionalize its rescue
teams.
To supervise races, the automotive sporting association (ASAC) of the Var
Region guarantees the respect of sports rules.
10 to 20 events open to spectators are planned on the track each year.
The Paul Ricard circuit is back to its original vocation as a major place for
motorsports.
HIGHLIGHTS
Visionary safety concept, a world premiere
The Blue Line™ concept, delivering optimal track visibility
Numerous track configurations, from 826m to 5.861m
15 right-hand corners, 10 left-hand corners
Revolutionary run-off areas, 25 acres of ultra abrasive asphalt
Automatic Watering System on 76 circuit configurations
12 pits with three sections: the garage, telemetry office and reception
(alternatively possible to adapt into 34 garage spaces) and 5 garages in paddock 2
High-tech information systems in the pits – 10 flat-screen TVs, telephone, Internet
F1 scale in technical garage
24-hour secured paddocks, accessible only by magnetic card
Petrol stations supplying unleaded 98 grade and 101.6 Elf Compétition fuel
50km of fibre-optic and electronic loops built into the circuit
21km of guard rails
TecPro High Speed Barriers to absorb high-energy accidents,
replacing the old-fashioned tyre-walls
Durable ACO Monoblock Racing Drains drainage channels
High-tech Lighting system - for driver information, in place of flag signalling
High-tech Track Video Control Room - the nerve centre of the track direction
CCTV video surveillance of the entire circuit
Fast-response Rescue Teams
High-tech medical centre to care for drivers and training
Media centre - up to 80 dedicated workstations with fax, telephone, high-speed internet and Wifi
Conference room - capacity for 60 people
Panoramic Club - restaurant with capacity for 400, a VIP catering service
Hall space in the entrance of the Pit Building
Grand Prix Hall - two rooms of 250m2, 600-seat grandstand
Mistral Hall - 1,766m2 completely customisable space
Dynamic Driving Centre - skid pan with automatic watering system
Karting - 964m circuit, 5 different configurations
High Speed Club Brasserie
Driving Center - leisure and safety track
5-star Luxury Hotel du Castellet
MonteCristo gourmet Michelin-starred restaurant
Best Western Grand Prix Hotel ★★★
Le PitLane, BW Grand Prix Hôtel restaurant
Le Castellet International Airport - 24/7 with customs
SUMMARY
8 - A CIRCUIT FOR TESTING AND COMMUNICATION
- 1970 Creation of the Paul Ricard circuit
- 1999 The new concept
- 2002 The first circuit of the third millennium
- An ongoing quest for innovation
- Attendance level continuously growing
12 - THE BLUE LINE™ CONCEPT
14 - A UNIQUE TESTING LABORATORY IN THE WORLD
- Numerous possible track configurations
- Automatic Watering System
16 - VISIONARY SAFETY
- Driver safety innovations
- The latest technology for a safer circuit
- Ultra-fast medical response & Rescue teams
20 - THE PIT BUILDING, VISION AND INNOVATION
- The next generation garages
- A futuristic media centre
- The Panoramic Club, Excellence at the heart of the action
- A high-tech medical centre
26 - BEYOND THE PADDOCK
- Public access for spectators
- The Dynamic Driving Centre
- The Karting Test Track
- The Driving Center
28 - HIGH SPEED CLUB
30 - 5-STAR LUXURY HOTEL DU CASTELLET
30 - BEST WESTERN GRAND PRIX HOTEL
32 - LE CASTELLET INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
35 - CONTACTS
36 - PHOTO GALLERY
A CIRCUIT FOR RACING, TESTING
AND COMMUNICATIONS
1970 - 2010 FORTY YEARS OF LEGENDS
In 1970, Paul Ricard (1909-1997) created the circuit, which to this day bears his name. The
historic venue would be the venue of many classic national and international races including
14 Formula One French Grand Prix, 22 Bols d’Or events, and 12 World Motorcycle
Championship Grand Prix.
The place quickly achieved legendary status for motorcycle racing fans throughout the world,
with the famous performances of riders such as Frenchman Raymond Roche, who carved
his name into Bol d’Or history, or the American Eddie Lawson, four times World Champion and
multiple winner of the French GP. In car racing, the circuit would achieve its glory days in the
1980s with the achievements of the biggest champions of the modern era: Alain Prost (four
wins), Nigel Mansell (two wins) or the Brazilians Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna.
Right from its creation, the circuit was ahead of its time, offering unparalleled infrastructure
and safety facilities. Unfortunately, due to a lack of investment the circuit was unable to
maintain its standing on the international scene.
1999 - A NEW CONCEPT
In May 1999, Excelis S.A. company acquired the Paul Ricard circuit and decided to turn it
into the world’s premier circuit dedicated exclusively to testing and communication: the Paul
Ricard High Tech Test Track.
Philippe Gurdjian was asked to take in charge the renovation and the modernisation of the
Paul Ricard circuit. He undertook an ambitious programme of work designed to make Paul
Ricard “a model for all the world’s circuits” and his stated objectives are to be simultaneously
“avant-garde, new, high-tech and creative.” In the design of the Paul Ricard HTTT, nothing
has been left to chance; new solutions were invented in all aspects.
The work began mid-April 2001, immediately after the international media launch of the Toyota
F1 team. It was a complex operation with as many as 1,200 people working simultaneously
on the circuit, and over 80 per cent of the work was completed with local business from the
Var and the Bouches-du-Rhône departments.
Simultaneously renovation work of the Le Castellet International Airport was going on. Having
begun in May 2001, it was completed by December that same year. The complete
reconstruction of the Castellet Hotel began on 1st July 2001 and was completed in early 2002.
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2002 - THE FIRST CIRCUIT OF THE THIRD MILLENNIUM
The new test and communications circuit, the Paul Ricard HTTT opened its doors in 2002. The
first teams to use the circuit discovered visionary safety and technology, creative and avantgarde design and innovation.
Test circuit for professional teams (F1, GP2, Endurance, Moto GP), constructors and
manufacturers, the Paul Ricard HTTT is also an exceptional place for clubs and
communications businesses: event organisation and public relations, product launches and
shootings. Everything was put in place for a perfect welcome for sponsors, media,
photographers and film shooting directors, without forgetting the beauty of the circuit and its
setting which makes for amazing pictures.
2006 - NEW SAFETY CONCEPTS VALIDATED BY FIA
The new safety concepts elaborated on the circuit as it was modernized are validated by
official motorsports instances. In August 2006, the track is validates by the FIA, and from that
time on, it is possible to organise offical FIA races and meetings.
2009 - THE CIRCUIT RE-OPENS ITS DOORS TO SPECTATORS
After some ten years of research and developments, of exclusive meetings and club races,
the new direction at the Paul Ricard circuit, decides to re-open its doors to spectators and
official races. New grandstands are built and the third volume of the history of the Paul Ricard
circuit begins. The return of racing is a true success.
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A CIRCUIT FOR RACING, TESTING
AND COMMUNICATIONS
AN ONGOING QUEST FOR INNOVATION
Truly a ‘work in progress’, the Paul Ricard Circuit hasn’t stopped evolving since 2002. New
infrastructures and new corners have been created. An ultramodern medical and training
centre was created and world-leading safety facilities are continually being perfected
including TecPro High Speed Barriers and the ‘ACO Monoblock Racing Drains’.
The Paul Ricard has become a reference for the circuits of tomorrow. The solutions that have
been developped, as well as the new concepts are now being copied on all the new circuits.
It is the best praise one can get, when working toward safety improvements.
ATTENDANCE CONTINUOUSLY GROWING
The attendance levels at the Paul Ricard Circuit have enjoyed since 2002 a continued upward
trend: some 300 days of activity in 2009 and 2008 compared with 120 in 2002.
Activity (days per year)
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
10
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
THE BLUE LINE™ CONCEPT
Viewed from the sky, the Paul Ricard resembles an abstract painting. The most striking visual
innovation of the circuit is the Blue Line™ concept which combines creativity with improving
visibility on the track. The coloured zones, which mark the border, allow teams to make the
most of their track time and give drivers the reassurance of the circuit’s safety provisions.
Replacing the traditional gravel traps, or grass verges, the asphalt run-off consists of
numerous levels of abrasiveness:
Blue zones:
these run-off zones are situated on each side of the circuit, marked by blue lines. These offer
more grip than the actual track to slow down vehicles safely. The driver can then rejoin the
track immediately after going off without sustaining any damage to his vehicle.
Red zones:
These are situated beyond the blue zones. They are the most abrasive and are designed to
stop a car from colliding with the safety barrier – the concept is known as ‘coalgrip’.
White zones:
white colour markings denote zones, which do not present any danger.
Astroturf:
to ensure a driver does not profit from cutting a corner and does not use the run-off area on
the inside of certain bends. This is a red, synthetic Astroturf lawn.
In addition the quality of the paint used for track markings was the subject of detailed research
to ensure it would not adversely affect the grip levels of the run-off, which cover a total surface
area of 25 hectares.
On the majority of the circuit, ‘Melbourne’ type kerbs were installed. To optimise the test
conditions for the teams, other types of kerbs, ‘Vallelunga’ style, were installed on different
corners of the circuit.
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A UNIQUE TESTING LABORATORY
IN THE WORLD
NUMEROUS POSSIBLE TRACK CONFIGURATIONS
With a great number of possible track configurations (from 826 m to 5.861 m)
the Paul Ricard Circuit is an unique testing facility for professional teams (F1, Prototype Sport,
Moto GP), as well as for car manufacturers, clubs or incentive and events organisators.
The many possible variations allow teams to conduct very specific testing, precisely tailored
to their objectives. On the different configurations the teams can prepare for all kinds of events
from the Le Mans 24 Hours to the Monaco Grand Prix.
Since the creation of the new Paul Ricard Circuit, new corners have enriched the possibilities
while also helping to reach an unparalleled level of safety. New corners include: Montreal
Chicane (2003), Petit Beausset (2004), and the esses of Verrerie (2005). From the 40 original
configurations, the addition of new corners has increased the number of configurations initially
to 58, then 112, and today 180.
AUTOMATIC WATERING SYSTEM
Designed to reproduce driving conditions in the rain, a highly sophisticated automatic
watering system can create wet conditions on a great number of track configurations.
A sophisticated and bespoke computer system was developed to regulate the volume of
water on the circuit. The system of 315 pipes and 35 sprinklers is entirely controlled from the
Track Video Control Room, command centre of the track direction.
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VISIONARY SAFETY
Safety at the Paul Ricard Circuit is based on major innovations and a network of high-tech
facilities and communication systems, which allow the race direction, medical and
emergency teams to respond in record times. The safety facilities are unique and the
effectiveness of its solutions have led to the FIA to recognize the Paul Ricard (HTTT) as the
first Centre of Excellence for Motor Sport Safety.
DRIVER SAFETY INNOVATIONS
The asphalt run-off areas
On the Paul Ricard Circuit the old gravel traps have been replaced by high-grip asphalt runoff areas. Designated by their colour lines and the Blue Line™ concept, the run-off areas
present many benefits in safety terms. The flat surface without obstacles limits the risk of
significant accidents. The very abrasive surface serves to slow down vehicles and avoid
impact with the barriers. The run-off areas also make it easier for the Rescue Team vehicles
to reach the scene of any accident.
The TecPro High Speed Barriers
In the ongoing quest for innovation to further improve safety conditions for drivers, the Paul
Ricard was the first circuit to develop and install TecPro High Speed Barriers. Replacing the
old tyre-walls, these polyethylene blocks sit on the safety rails. Injected with foam of variable
density they are reinforced with a metal sheet in the form of a tunnel. The blocks are 1.2 m tall
and cannot be breached. The strength of this solution resides in its ability to absorb very high
impact shock forces and protect the driver from injury.
The drainage system – ‘ACO Monoblock Racing Drain’
The forces exerted on the drainage grills by the tyres of racing cars driving at high-speed can
exceed 1 tonne/cm2. Under repeated stress the grills, which are usually installed on other
circuits, can deform or detach and potentially cause serious accidents.
To avoid the risk of damage, the Paul Ricard has been equipped with several kilometres of
very resilient concrete and polyester drainage system channels. Capable of resisting
successive stress of cars passing over them (up to 900 kN, or 90 tonnes EN 1433) this drainage
system is an additional guarantee of driver safety improvement.
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THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR A SAFER CIRCUIT
Track Video Control Room
State-of-the art control room for the track direction, the Track Video Control Room is the
nerve-centre of all the circuit’s safety and control facilities.
The Track Video Control Room features 34 control screens and two giant screens. Totally
computerized, this room supplies the track manager with immediate information and all the
necessary tools to react quickly and safely thanks to the cameras and warning lights of the
circuit’s Lighting System.
Responsible for safety, the track manager is in constant radio contact with all the rescue and
safety teams around the circuit to maintain the highest level of safety for drivers and people
present at the circuit. The control centre has all the information available from around the
circuit and can also control the automatic watering system.
The Track Video Control Room makes use of the latest technology using new and unique
systems. By its nature, the Track Video Control Room is an ultramodern command centre
with revolutionary use of giant and touch screen facilities.
34 control cameras
34 cameras are strategically located around the circuit allowing the track manager full vision
of the entire facility without any blind spots. The cameras can be angled and zoomed by
remote control from the Track Video Control Room. The smallest anomaly detected on the
track can be immediately acted upon.
Electronic sensors
Each vehicle around the track has a transponder on board which allows real-time surveillance
of its precise location thanks to a 50 km network of fibre optic cabling and electronic loops
integrated into the track. The transponders installed in each of the cars allow to determine its
exact location and follow it in real-time. It is also possible to transmit to each team, a video
of their own car, and only their car, for confidentiality reasons.
Lighting System – 38 quad-coloured lights
Flag marshals don’t exist any more at the Paul Ricard. The track information is now
communicated to the drivers via 38 quad-coloured lights, corresponding to the same colours
the flag marshals used (red, yellow, green and blue).
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VISIONARY SAFETY
The electronic system makes it easier and quicker to warn drivers about changes in circuit
conditions. For example, the red light (race stoppage) can be activated without delay from the
touch screens in the Track Video Control Room.
Thanks to a system of strategically placed electronic loops, the yellow light (danger on track)
can be activated automatically, without the delay of human intervention, should a vehicle go
off track, or be going especially slowly on track.
ULTRA-FAST MEDICAL RESPONSE TEAMS
The Rescue Teams
The Rescue Teams are equipped with Fast Intervention Cars (FIC). In each FIC, two marshals
are highly trained and ready to deal with dangerous situations, such as fire and are trained to
complete rescues from the new run-off areas. They are in attendance during all test sessions.
The run-off areas allow direct access and make it quicker to intervene, where previously
special vehicles has to drive accross.
Firemen
The circuit employs professional firemen. Specially trained, they work tirelessly to own their
rescue skills and are always on alert, ready to respond to any situation.
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THE PIT BUILDING, VISION AND INNOVATION
THE NEXT GENERATION PITS
Offering exclusive benefits to team engineers and technicians and equally their guest, the 12
next generation pit facilities are fully equipped and divided into three areas: a garage on track
level, an independent telemetry space and a private reception area on another level, called
the Hospitality Unit.
Created out of three pits of the former Paul Ricard circuit, each is secured by the use of
personalised, magnetic access badges. An English grass lawn border directly sourced from
Biggin Hill brightens up the pitlane too.
The architectural subject was complicated because we wanted to conserve the modern and
original buildings constructed by Paul Ricard in 1970. Because the original structure had
support pillars spaced every five metres. Removing these pillars was impossible to imaging
in order to keep the building. The idea of creating pits on several levels was the only solution.
Garage space
The garage space is divisible into two spaces, with an opening into the pit lane and an access
ramp to the paddock for the easy movement of people, cars and materials. The garage covers
170 m2 and comes with preinstalled equipment such as compressed air, and ventilation to
extract exhaust gases. Electricity supplies, power connection, telephone and data processing
facilities were all designed to meet the needs of the various technical, logistical staff and
team mechanics.
HOSPITALITY UNIT
ESPACE TÉLÉMÉTRIE
F1 PADDOCK
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TERRASSE
ESPACE GARAGE
PIT
Telemetry space
Comprising 100 m2, a secure and quiet area, the technical pit area is reserved for the use of
engineers and offers a direct view of the garage. It is also equipped with showers at the
disposal of drivers and team staff.
Each technical pit area is equipped with ten flat-screen televisions showing images of the
team and the 32 different time-keeping statistics (lap time, three fastest sectors…). The
information concerning each vehicle is shown on the relevant screens, of course maintaining
confidentiality of information from other teams. A weather screen, in constant contact with Le
Castellet International Airport, supplies accurate information on wind strength, direction,
temperatures and atmospheric pressure, updated every three hours.
Five new garages have been constructed in 2010 in order to recieve the numerous cars
entered in series such as Le Mans Series or FIA GT1 World Championship. These new
garages can also be split in two garages.
Hospitality unit
The hospitality units are 100 m2 spaces at the exclusive disposal of each team. Situated on
the floor above, they are accessed by a staircase from the garage and also include a 170 m2
terrace. The circuit restaurant, the Panoramic Club, provides catering services.
THE MEDIA CENTRE
The Blue Line™ concept at the Paul Ricard makes it a perfect place for exceptional views. The
Media Centre was designed to allow journalists and professional photographers to work in
optimal conditions.
A press and photographer room (up to 80 places) is at the disposal of reporters and
photographers.
Situated on the second floor of the pit building, the Media Centre offers a direct view of the
track and pit lane. It also contains video screens allowing media representatives to follow all
the track activity. Each media centre user also has access to Wifi and high-speed Internet.
The conference room of the Media Centre is permanently equiped with sound and video
systems. It can welcome up to 70 people.
On the roof of the new garages, you will find a new room dedicated to TV and radio commentators.
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THE PIT BUILDING, VISION AND INNOVATION
THE PANORAMIC CLUB, EXCELLENCE AT THE HEART OF THE ACTION
Reception and restaurant
Overlooking the pits, offering a complete view of the track and pit lane, the Panoramic Club
features a bar open to everyone using the circuit. Open everyday the 400-seat restaurant
(adaptable into sections for groups of 20 to 100 people) allows Paul Ricard clients to entertain
their guests for lunch or dinner in an exclusive environment. The terrace overlooks the ‘Pont’
(Bridge) corner.
The Panoramic Club restaurant guarantees a top-class service also at the disposal of teams
wishing to entertain guests in their own Hospitality Units or those organising an event on the
circuit.
A HIGH-TECH MEDICAL CENTRE
The medical facilities available at the Paul Ricard are unique in the world. Developped to
respond effectively and promptly to all kinds of emergencies, the circuit’s permanent medical
centre is under the direction of a chief medical officer working together with a staff including
an anaesthetist nurse along with a team of firemen. They all are on permanent alert whenever
the circuit is open.
The Medical Centre is equipped with cutting edge technology and equipment: an intensive
care unit, a major trauma facility, radiography and x-ray facility with immediately developped
images on paper or digitally, an examination room and a recuperation room with two high-tech
medical beds.
The Medical Centre has its own Video Control Room, equipped with four screens which allow
immediate dispatching the appropriate assistance.
The Medical Centre team is in constant communication with the track manager, based in the
Track Video Control Room, via a dedicated, emergency telephone line codenamed: the red
telephone.
Located conveniently between the pit lane and the helicopter drop zone, an intensive care
ambulance is at the disposal of the medical team.
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HOSPITALITY AT THE HEART OF THE ACTION
The Paul Ricard Circuit provides two main spaces for events of different sizes and
concepts: the Grand Prix Hall and the hospitalities. Situated within the circuit boundaries,
they offer a direct view of the circuit. Air-conditioned and soundproofed, they are fully
equipped facilities for event organisers.
Next door to these hospitality spaces, the Paul Ricard offers businesses an exceptional
service for their public relations activities.
THE GRAND PRIX HALL
A space dedicated to events, The Grand Prix Hall offers an exceptional view of the track.
Developped for seminar events, conventions and public relations events in mind, the Grand
Prix Hall is a spectacular and high-tech venue.
Two reception rooms of 250 m2 are available, codenamed ‘Blue Room’ and ‘Red Room’. A
bar-restaurant of 260 m2 offers a panoramic view of the Paul Ricard Circuit. Outside, two
covered terraces and a 600-seat grandstand allow guests to follow the test in ideal conditions.
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BEYOND THE PADDOCK
PUBLIC ACCESS TO SPECTATORS
In 2009, the Paul Ricard circuit, after almost 10 years of exclusivity re-opens its doors to
spectators and racing. 5000 grandstand seats are built on the start straight and in the summer
2009, the hill in the corner ‘Double Droite du Beausset’ is organised to welcome spectators
and give them new and additional points of view on the track.
The competition and racing come back is a true success, spectators respond present.
Pic-nic areas, playgrounds as well as snack bar areas are built all around the track.
The Paul Ricard circuit is again the place to come with the whole family...
DYNAMIC DRIVING CENTRE
Situated inside the circuit complex, the Dynamic Driving Centre provides a skid pan at the
disposal of manufacturers, instructors and other motor safety officials.
Specially constructed for safe driving training, the track uses a special low-grip concretebitumen surface. Different to traditional surfaces, this allows maximum slippage.
An automatic watering system makes it possible to recreate numerous conditions such as wet
and humid conditions. Completely safe, the track allows session participants to learn the
limits and how to react to dangerous situations without losing control, aquaplaning or colliding
with an obstacle. In teaching drivers how to understand and anticipate daily risks and adopt
a new attitude, the training sessions help limit the likelihood of dangerous accidents.
Everything is carefully prepared and participants carefully briefed before each task in a special
briefing room, to ensure the sessions take place in the safest conditions.
After the training session, the participants can also relax in a special room equipped with an
open bar.
128 m straight
74 m diameter circle
Automatic Watering System
Relaxing welcome space with an open bar and panoramic view terrace
Briefing room
Garages for the training vehicles
Parking facilities
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THE PAUL RICARD KARTING
Continuing with the ‘Blue Line’TM and asphalt run-off concepts, the Karting Test Track has been
created in the same spirit as the Paul Ricard. Its 964 m track offers five different configurations.
It features a pit lane with garages and three timing loops to analyse lap times in perfect detail.
Made for use by companies and groups, the Karting has been conceived as a communication tool
in itself, combining striking design with safety. Since the Paul Ricard circuit re-opened it’s doors to
spectators, the go-kart is also accessible every sunday to everyone. A hospitality area including
a bar (80m2) and two terraces (200 & 250m2) offer a panoramic view of the track. A training ground
for karting professionals, the track is also available for use by young drivers learning the ropes:
Free practice for four-stroke leisure karts (11hp) or twin engine (34hp)
Grand Prix: 10-lap test, two 10-lap race
Endurance: 2-5 drivers per team, 30 timed practice laps followedby a 60-lap race
Training session in twin-engine karts
Karting Test Days
Hire of the circuit to professionals or companies
Open every sunday for 10 mn sessions
Booking and information
karting@circuitpaulricard.com or www.kartingtesttrack.com
THE DRIVING CENTER
New reference of leisure tracks, the Driving Centre is the first track in France to integrate on
a same layout driving and road safety. Independent from the main circuit, this new track is
adapted for all publics and all types of events: from car to motorcycle, from public events to
company seminars, from media tests to product launches, from asphalt to soil.
ORECA is the exclusive operator of the Driving Center.
Multi-functional layout: speed circuit de vitesse, training centre, soil extension…
Principal speed track : 1.6 km
Possibility to split up the track in 4 parts for numerous combinations car-motorcycle
High-tech reception area: 150 modulable square meters, capacity of 125 persons,
2 terraces, catering area, briefing room, cloakrooms, technical premise…
ORECA is the exclusive operator of the Driving Center.
Information: www.oreca-events.com ou drivingcenter@oreca.fr
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HIGH SPEED CLUB
“BRASSERIE’’
The entrance of the Paul Ricard Circuit welcomes the visitors with a Bar called the High Speed
Club. The inside of the bar is truly modern and lets you feel as if you were in a Formula One
surrounding with grey, black and red colours. This welcome area is made of a bar including
two restaurant rooms with giant TV screens and a very nice terrace.
Open every day from 10:00am to 7:00pm (6:00pm in the winter), the High Speed Club offers
a lunch “brasserie” menu: lunch salads, warm dishes, “menu” (main dish + drink or coffee) and
warm or cold alcohol free drinks. The 300 m² terrace is a great place to rest and is cooled by
a special fine water drops cooling system.
The ‘Espace Grand Prix’ is a 150 m² room, in which visitors will be able to watch in live
conditions their favourite Moto GP and Formula 1 Grand Prix on the two special 103” plasma
Full HD Panasonic giant screens. They will also have live timing and other information on the
65” and 42” additional screens.
The High Speed Club and its “Espace Grand Prix” are also privileged places to organise
events such as birthday parties, private parties, concerts…
The High Speed Club also hosts exhibitions of historic cars and motorcycles, such as the
Sunday Ride Classic meeting…
Inside the High Speed Club, the souvenir shop “Boutique du Circuit Paul Ricard by ORECA”
offers all equipment and accessories to practice motorsports as well as the Paul Ricard
merchandising.
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THREE AND FIVE STAR HOTELS
CLOSE TO THE CIRCUIT
HOTEL DU CASTELLET
★★★★★
At the gates of the circuit, away from the tension and noise, the 5-star luxury Hotel du Castellet
is an oasis of calm, nature and elegance.
Created in 2002 in an old glassworks, the hotel’s Mediterranean architecture offers a unique
charm and presentation of the highest of standards. At the heart of a hundred hectare park,
the hotel offers panoramic views over the village of Castellet and the Mediterranean sea. The
hotel comprises 48 south-facing rooms and suites with refined decoration as well as two
magnificent swimming pools and numerous sports and leisure facilities.
The MonteCristo, gastronomic restaurant with two Michelin stars, offers a highly refined
gastronomic experience in a unique atmosphere.
Close to the summer swimming pool the SanFelice restaurant offers a simpler cuisine to be
degustated on the terrace or in the ‘Salle Orange’ restaurant room in the winter.
Member of the ‘‘Relais & Châteaux”, the Castellet Hotel is open from February to November.
Booking: welcome@hotelducastellet.com
BEST WESTERN GRAND PRIX HOTEL
★★★
: A STRATEGIC SUPPORT
Close to the Paul Ricard Circuit, the Best Western Grand Prix Hôtel proposes all year long
116 rooms and one suite to welcome clients of the circuit or of Le Castellet International
Airport.
Its restaurant The Pitlane is open all year, and offers a refined cuisine.
The Best Western Grand Prix Hôtel also proposes seminars rooms to welcome up to 100
persons.
Booking: reservations@grandprixhotel.fr
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AÉROPORT INTERNATIONAL DU CASTELLET
Le Castellet International Airport brings together infrastructure and a unique range of features
in the region. With a runway of 1,750 metres, equipped with IFR, the airport is accessible both
day and night for all types of aircraft up to the Airbus A319 or the Boeing 737/600 and BBJ.
It has a first class safety service.
The airport provides a full range of functions from assistance to the teams and catering, to
customs and immigration requirements. Safety and security is of the highest possible level
making full use of the latest x-ray screening (for passengers and luggage), high-security
access requirements based on magnetic badges and 24 hour security patrols keep the airport
safe.
At the heart of the facility, the Business Centre provides well-equipped office areas (telephone,
fax, high-speed Internet, video). Five hangars allow the storage of a large number of aircraft
and helicopter types, up to two BBJ.
A helicopter service provides fast transfers to Marseille, Nice, Monaco, St-Tropez, as well as
first flights.
“Le Castellet International Airport has everything you
need: the location, facilities, technology and services. It
could easily win the title of the most beautiful airport in
Europe.” “Altitudes Magazine”
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CONTACTS
CIRCUIT PAUL RICARD
RDN8 - 2760 Route des Hauts du Camp
83330 Le Castellet - France
Tel.: +33 (0)494 983 666
Fax: +33 (0)494 983 667
www.circuitpaulricard.com - circuit@circuitpaulricard.com
presse@circuitpaulricard.com
General Director: Stéphane CLAIR
Media & Communications: Magali BERNARD, Marine DELOFFRE
LE CASTELLET INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
RDN8 - 3100 Route des Hauts du Camp
83330 Le Castellet - France
Tel.: +33 (0)494 983 999
Fax: +33 (0)494 983 998
www.aeroportducastellet.com - infos@aeroportducastellet.com
General Director: François ANDRÉ
HOTEL DU CASTELLET
★★★★★
RDN8 - 3001 Route des Hauts du Camp
83330 Le Castellet - France
Tel.: +33 (0)494 983 777
Fax: +33 (0)494 983 778
www.hotelducastellet.com - welcome@hotelducastellet.com
General Director: Alexandra BACQUIÉ
GRAND PRIX HOTEL
★★★
RDN8 - 3100 Route des Hauts du Camp
83330 Le Castellet - France
Tel.: +33 (0)494 888 080
Fax: +33 (0)494 888 081
www.grandprixhotel.fr - welcome@grandprixhotel.fr
General Director: Alexandra BACQUIÉ
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PHOTO GALLERY
CPR 1- The Blue Line™ concept
-
CPR 2- The Blue Line™ concept -
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N°1
N°2
CPR 3- The Blue Line™ concept
-
N°3
CPR 4- F1 tests at the Paul Ricard - 2005
CPR 5- F1 on track (WSR) - 2013
CPR 6- FIA WEC - 2013
CPR 7- Constructor activities
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PHOTO GALLERY
CPR 8- Track Video Control Room
CPR 9- Cameras and lights
CPR 10- Rescue Teams
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CPR 11- The Blue Line™ concept
- N°4
CPR 13- ACO Monoblock Racing Drain
CPR 12- Firemen
CPR 14- High Speed Barriers
CPR 15- Rescue Teams
CPR 16- Fireman and Rescue Team
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PHOTO GALLERY
MC 17- Medical Centre
MC 18- Emergency room
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CPR 19- Pit/Garage
CPR 20- Pit/Telemetry
CPR 21- Pit/Hospitality
CPR 22- Pit/Terrace
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PHOTO GALLERY
CPR 23- Media Centre
CPR 24- Press conference room
CPR 26- Panoramic Club restaurant 2
CPR 25- Panoramic Club restaurant 1
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CPR 27- Panoramic Club restaurant 3
GPH 28- Grand Prix Hall
GPH 29- Track view from stands
GPH 30- Restaurant
GPH 31- Aerial view
GPH 32- Entrance to Grand Prix Hall
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PHOTO GALLERY
MH 33- Mistral Hall
MH 34- Aerial view
MH 35- Mistral Hall entrance
MH 36- Welcome hall
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MH 37- Event
HSC 38- High Speed Club
HSC 39- Espace Grand Prix
HSC 41- Shop
HSC 40- Terrace
HSC 42- Boutique - Circuit Paul Ricard merchandising
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PHOTO GALLERY
DC 43- Driving Center
KTT 44- Karting Test Track
KTT 45- Karts
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DC 46- Driving Center Event
HDC 47- 5-Star Hotel du Castellet
HDC 49- Junior suite ʻGrapeʼ
HDC 48- MonteCristo Restaurant
HDC 50- SanFelice view from pool
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PHOTO GALLERY
AIDC 51- General view
AIDC 52- Le Castellet International Airport
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AIDC 53- Helibird
AIDC 55- Control tower
AIDC 54- Runway at night
AIDC 56- ʻLa Résidence des Equipagesʼ Hotel for the crews
GP Hotel 57- Pool
GP Hotel 59- Room
GP Hotel 58- Reception hall
GP Hotel 60- Pit Lane retaurant
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RDN8 - 2760 ROUTE DES HAUTS DU CAMP • 83330 LE CASTELLET • FRANCE
T : +33 (0) 494 983 666 • F : +33 (0) 494 983 667 • www. c i rc u i t p a u l r i c a rd . c o m • c i rc u i t @ c i rc u i t p a u l r i c a rd . c o m