Circuit Paul Ricard: The first circuit of the 3rd millenium

"Given the objectives we had set ourselves to create a totally new kind of circuit, we had to be original in the way we thought; there was nothing to copy, as there was no other circuit in the world that provided a model for what we wanted" announces Philippe Gurdjian, President of the circuit. The original circuit, created by Paul Ricard in 1970, was the setting for many national and international motor sports competitions including 14 Formula 1 Grand Prix.

"Today, the new Paul Ricard – High Tech Test Track is the first circuit forthe 3rd millennium. Everything about it is new,

we made no compromises. Everything has been designed for maximum safety of the drivers, to bring back the true pleasure of driving, and to optimise the quality, and therefore the usefulness, of the data on and from the track,all in an environment that is comfortable for the teams and sponsors alike."

The Paul Ricard circuit was renovated in eleven months. "It was a huge challenge and I really have to pay tribute to the local firms who did a magnificent job.” The concept of the design was thought of to create a truly International Circuit that can be used as a communication tool. Decisions relating to architecture, building materials and colours have created an harmonious,original and innovative avant-garde complex. The adjoining Castellet Airport has also been completely renovated and can now cater for business jets ranging from the Falcon 20 to the Global Express and Gulfstream V.

Together with the two new hotels on the site, the 3-star Résidence des Equipages and the 4-star Luxury Hôtel du Castellet, the Plateau has become one of the most attractive venues in the world. Thanks to all of the above modifications, the new Paul Ricard HTTT offers over 100 different track solutions, for different types of tests, unrivalled anywhere else in the world.