To respond to the request of the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) and improve track safety, the Circuit Paul Ricard recently carried out work to install a gravel trap in turn no. 7, at the exit of the Sainte Baume turn preceding the famous straight line of the Mistral.
Driver safety is a key value for the Circuit Paul Ricard: Its history is based on successive innovations and the implementation of specific intervention procedures, involving each year the acquisition of new equipment and training sessions for its staff. teams.
During the complete renovation of the Var circuit in 2000, the creation of large asphalt run-off areas, the famous "run-offs", constituted a major advance, since adopted on most new tracks around the world.
Stephane Clair, General Director of Circuit Paul Ricard: « L’augmentation constante des vitesses de passage en courbe des véhicules, due aux évolutions technologiques, et en particulier l’apparition d’assistance électronique sur les motos, nous a poussé à réadapter nos infrastructures. Pour accroître la sécurité, il nous faut désormais “calmer les ardeurs” des pilotes, qui sont de moins en moins limités par leurs machines. »
Thus, the installation of a gravel trap at turn no. 7 will require automobile drivers to refine their trajectory, or even reduce their speed so as not to risk losing the race or ending their run in this trap of approximately 1600 m². For motorcyclists, it will constitute an additional element of safety in the event of a fall, in addition to the “type A FIM” foam blocks already in place.
In agreement with the FIM and the FIA, an asphalt clearance upstream of the ferry has been retained to allow drivers, who could be a little too optimistic, to be able to resume their route without getting stuck in the ferry.
Stéphane Clair adds: “Thus the Sainte Baume bend, which determines the top speed in the famous Mistral straight, becomes safer but also even more selective! »
This work undertaken by the Circuit Paul Ricard with the companies Colas and Dromo takes place a few days before the legendary Bol d'Or endurance race, which will take place from September 18 to 19.
