[Race] Vive La France!

[bella]

Originally Posted by Peat

I really don't get the luuurrrrve for Ricard. Cars just look so lost out in that multicolour-line wilderness.

that's the only bit of the actual track i like, cause it looks amazing in photos! it's also delightfully local, there's references to the provencal/cote d'azur aesthetics and building details everywhere still. the layout might be pants but it's kinda cool. i love the retro styling in the main pit building exterior too.

[JeremySmith]

Originally Posted by Peat

I really don't get the luuurrrrve for Ricard. Cars just look so lost out in that multicolour-line wilderness.

That is my problem with Paul Ricard, it has the appearance of a test track..

[bjohnsonsmith]

Originally Posted by wolfhound

I know the ACO don't want it but F1 cars at Le Mans would be interesting and I mean the long circuit. It would make a change from Tilke dromes.
How would the times compare to the diesel burners that have been winning there for the last few years.
I would assume the circuit should not need any changes for F1, as I doubt they would be quicker in a straight line although their cornering speeds should be higher than prototypes.

I don't see the ACO giving Bernie $25 to race on their track.

[bjohnsonsmith]

Originally Posted by bjohnsonsmith

I don't see the ACO giving Bernie $25 to race on their track.

I meant $25m not $25, that would be cheap, lol.

[Wims]

Originally Posted by Peat

I really don't get the luuurrrrve for Ricard. Cars just look so lost out in that multicolour-line wilderness.

Yeah I dont get it either. Its a flat, lifeless, artificial track. It would be a terribly terrible race.

[ECW Dan Selby]

It's mainly the Mistral in to Signes i'd like to see....

Selby

[Brioche]

Originally Posted by Marbot

Magny-Cours is situated in the back of beyond with the emphasis on beyond. Moo!

Although i don't have anything against the design of the track, i think they picked one of the worst locations to organize a Grand Prix in France. Nevers isn't a big city, and clearly doesn't have the infrastructure to receive a public that duplicates its population during a race weekend. The nearest big centre is probably Dijon, but in fact it's too far, something like 150km away from the circuit.

The logistics would be away more simple in Paul Ricard or Le Mans. The first is located near Toulon and the other cities around the circuit could also help to absorb some of the public. Le Mans, even though i reconize it won't even be consider as alternative, is itself an important centre in France and also has the TGV option.

[bella]

paul ricard is a pain in the backside to get to though, once you come off the a8 or the autoroute that goes to toulon it's small, single carriageway roads. i went there for 2 days this year and managed a different way there and back every single time because i got lost/bored of the original route! public transport isn't really an option either - they could run buses from toulon but i'd imagine it'd be a similar affair to the nurburgring - long journey, windy roads. at least magny cours has a dual carriageway to it now.

magny cours is a big event for camping, you're right next to the circuit so it's convenient too. nevers probably doesn't see much in terms of spectator accomodation for that reason.

for the vips, both nevers and paul ricard itself have runways and helicopter access so they're both the same in that respect. what it boils down to is that paul ricard has far nicer vip accomodation in the pit building, i suspect - magny cours would definitely need a rebuild before they would go back there.

[Brioche]

Well, like you said there are a few routes options between Toulon and Paul Ricard. You could even increase these numbers if you consider that people might take a route to, for example Aubagne, and make a few deviations along the way. The routes to the circuit might be narrow, but they're in a good number and are oriented in several directions , so i believe that with a well planned public transportation for the event, these variety would be very helpfull to accommodate the public as near as possible in their respective sectors. I really don't mind waiting on a bus for 45 or 50min if i know the thing is being well organized.

Regarding camping issues, tbh aside from those who really enjoy it, most people only do it in Magny-Cours because they really don't have other option. For F1 requirements, in comparison with Toulon region, where you have an airport nearby, several small cities close to each other and used to have tourists, in Nevers you only have a few and crowded hotels.

[fourWheelDrift]

Originally Posted by bjohnsonsmith

I meant $25m not $25, that would be cheap, lol.

I think the first version is better, probably still true and makes the point a little more firmly.

[Marbot]

Paul Ricard looks to be the venue of choice if a French GP does go ahead. We should know of any decision by February.

http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/2...e-by-february/

[Brioche]

The bad thing about it is that the French GP would probably have to alternate with the Belgian GP.

It'd be better if Paul-Ricard could alternate with Korea, Abu Dhabi, Valencia, China and India. This way we'd only have to watch 1 race each 5 years at these stupid tracks.

[Mr Pink]

Originally Posted by Brioche

The bad thing about it is that the French GP would probably have to alternate with the Belgian GP.

It'd be better if Paul-Ricard could alternate with Korea, Abu Dhabi, Valencia, China and India. This way we'd only have to watch 1 race each 5 years at these stupid tracks.

How about if France alternates with Bahrain? With Paul Ricard hosting the round every year?

[Mystery]

I went to Magny Cours in 07 and would have loved to have gone again. We stayed in Bourges which was a bit of a drive from the track but made a good base.

Boat trip and three hour drive from home. What's not to like!