DOSSIER DE PRESSE en PDF
Transcription
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. 8 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. 9 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. 12 13 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. 14 15 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. 16 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). 17 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. 18 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 20 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. 21 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. 22 23 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. 24 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 26 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 27 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. 28 29 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 30 31 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” 32 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 - [email protected] [email protected] 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 - [email protected] 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 - [email protected] 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 - [email protected] General Director: Alexandra BACQUIÉ 35 PHOTO GALLERY CPR 1- The Blue Line™ concept - CPR 2- The Blue Line™ concept - 36 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 37 PHOTO GALLERY CPR 8- Track Video Control Room CPR 9- Cameras and lights CPR 10- Rescue Teams 38 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 39 PHOTO GALLERY MC 17- Medical Centre MC 18- Emergency room 40 CPR 19- Pit/Garage CPR 20- Pit/Telemetry CPR 21- Pit/Hospitality CPR 22- Pit/Terrace 41 PHOTO GALLERY CPR 23- Media Centre CPR 24- Press conference room CPR 26- Panoramic Club restaurant 2 CPR 25- Panoramic Club restaurant 1 42 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 43 PHOTO GALLERY MH 33- Mistral Hall MH 34- Aerial view MH 35- Mistral Hall entrance MH 36- Welcome hall 44 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 45 PHOTO GALLERY DC 43- Driving Center KTT 44- Karting Test Track KTT 45- Karts 46 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 47 PHOTO GALLERY AIDC 51- General view AIDC 52- Le Castellet International Airport 48 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 49 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