RACE 8

French Grand Prix

Le Castellet

Grand Prix racing originated in France, and the French Grand Prix is the oldest of all GPs, having first run on 26 June 1906.

The event's long history has seen it use 16 different circuits, including, Montlhéry, Reims, Rouen, Charade, Paul Ricard, Prenois and Magny-Cours.

However, 2018 is the first time in a decade that an F1 race has been held in France.

Circuit Paul Ricard

Circuit Paul Ricard was built in 1969, financed by the pastis magnate after whom it is named. Opened on 19 April 1970, its innovative facilities made it one of the safest motor racing circuits in the world, and it became a popular test track.

The track hosted the French GP every other year from 1971 to 1985 on the full layout, then every year from 1985 to 1990 on a shortened layout. This year it moves back to the full length track.

Winners

Michael Shumacher has the most F1 wins in France with 8. He is followed by Alain Prost with 6, and Juan Manuel Fangio and Nigel Mansell, who both have 4.

Ferrari have the best team record in France, with 17 wins. Williams have 8, and Lotus have 7.

Because the French GP has been absent from the F1 calendar for the last nine years, Kimi Raikonnen and Fenando Alonso are the only current F1 drivers to have won the event.