Your trackside guide to Circuit Paul Ricard for the 2022 French Grand Prix on July 22-24, including the on-track schedule and trackside events.
Formula 1 returned to Circuit Paul Ricard in 2018 after an absence of almost 30 years. The circuit itself may be state of the art, featuring distinctive blue and red run off areas and multiple configurations, though it has been some time since an event of this size was held at the circuit and the organization was lacking in many areas last year, especially in regards to traffic management and parking. Luckily, things were much improved in 2019 thanks to a proper mobility plan being put in place and lower spectator levels.
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Circuit Paul Ricard: Access & Orientation
- Six gates provide access to the circuit, see map below.
- Entry requirements: only one small bag per person allowed (handbag or backpack). Prohibited items: Large bags, coolers and suitcases, Weapons and sharp objects, Explosives, inflammable substances, fireworks, flares and pyrotechnics, Glassware, Fire, Animals (except guide dogs), Alcohol, Drones, Laser pointers, Any medium with commercial, political, ideological, philosophical or religious purpose or character (Folding chairs and umbrellas are allowed.)
- More information about getting to the circuit can be found in Getting There & Around
2022 French Grand Prix Schedule
Confirmed on-track session times for Formula 1 and support series at the 2022 French Grand Prix weekend are listed below. The all-female W Series will be racing at this year’s French Grand Prix, as will the one-make Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup series. Following the cancellation of the Russian Grand Prix, Formula 2 has been added to the Paul Ricard schedule.
Friday, July 22
- 10:40-11:10: W Series practice
- 11:35-12:20: Formula 2 practice
- 14:00-15:00: Formula 1 – Free Practice 1 (FP1)
- 15:30-16:15: Porsche Supercup practice
- 17:00-18:00: Formula 1 – Free Practice 2 (FP2)
- 18:30-19:00: Formula 2 qualifying
- 19:25-19:55: W Series qualifying
Saturday, July 23
- 11:10-11:40: Porsche Supercup qualifying
- 13:00-14:00: Formula 1 – Free Practice 3 (FP3)
- 14:50-15:25: W Series race
- 16:00-17:00: Formula 1 – Qualifying
- 17:40-18:30: Formula 2 sprint race
Sunday, July 24
- 10:00-11:05: Formula 2 feature race
- 11:45-12:20: Porsche Supercup race
- 13:00-13:30: F1 Drivers’ Parade
- 15:00-17:00: Formula 1 Grand Prix de France 2022 (53 laps or 120 mins)
Paul Ricard: Trackside Attractions
- F1 Fanzone: head behind the Main Grandstand for the best merchandise, simulators and interactive displays.
- Village Sud: replica of a southern French village, next to the F1 Fanzone (open Friday to Sunday, 07:00-21:00)
- Xtrem Park: gokarts, mini quds, zipline and other thrill seeking pursuits, next to Le Beausset
- “Back to the Future” Village: new zone at the north of the circuit, between the Chicane and Sainte-Baume areas (open Friday to Sunday, 07:00-21:00). Displays of historic F1 cars and history of the French GP, 4DX cinemas, simulators and mobility displays.
Food, Drink & Amenities at Paul Ricard
There was a decided lack of food and drink outlets at the circuit in 2018, but the situation was improved for 2019. The fanzone behind the main grandstand showcased the food and wine from local producers, as well as different regions of France. Here’s some sample trackside prices from 2019: 0.5 litre beer = €7, 0.25 litre beer = €4, 0.5 litre soft drinks = €4, coffee/water = €2, sandwiches = €8, pasta box with veal = €15.
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Been to the French Grand Prix at Circuit Paul Ricard? Leave a comment with your trackside tips!
Hi. Where would you recommend the best area is be based for general admission. My sister and I would like to be near large screens if possible? Thanks
What is the weather like this time of year in that area? We are from Australia and used to the heat but wondering if we will have relief from the sun
It’s probably going to be pretty hot, even for Aussies:) To be honest, there’s not a lot of shade at the circuit and it could get really hot in the grandstands. So please dress appropriately, apply your sunscreen and drink lots of water. One more point I would make is that many of the paths at the circuit are unpaved and get quite dusty, so appropriate shoes are also a good idea.
Thanks for this article Andrew.
Where would you recommended standing/waiting around at the French Grand Prix if you want to get a driver autograph?
The best area would be at the entrance to the Paddock. There’s a roundabout behind, near the entrance. However you may not be able to get into this area without the right pass. Otherwise, you may try waiting near the underpass near the last corner/pits entrance, but not sure if you will have much luck. Otherwise, I think some drivers/teams will stay at this hotel near the track, you could try there. Hotel & Spa Du Castellet – Var
Hi
Do you know if there is an official afterparty after the race on Sunday or a bar/ club that is frequented by f1 fans/ teams in and around marseille/ castellet?
Thank you
I’d expect some kind of concert after the race in the Fanzone behind the Main Grandstand. I don’t know of anything else happening locally or in Marseille, but keep an eye out on social media channels as the race approaches.
Could you advise on where might be best to sit or area to go for 2 families with young ish children? We are staying in marseille and have 4/6/7/10 year old. It will be our first F1 and wondered if there are any shaded seating area?
Assuming you mean in General Admission? I did get to walk around a bit when I was there working at the race in 2019, and there’s lots of shaded areas on the inside of the circuit. The problem is that last time, a lot of this area was reserved for particular ticket holders. If you are going all three days, I hope you will be able to walk around a bit more on Friday to scope out the best areas to watch, then you can head for the same area on the weeekend.
Hello,
Is there a cost to enter the Fan Zone or Village Sud?
No it’s open for all ticket holders
Are you allowed to bring food to the circuit? I’ve got special dietary needs.
Yes, it looks like you are allowed to bring food and drink, but no glass containers and no alcohol. Here’s the official info from the circuit:
What can I bring with me at the Formula 1 French Grand Prix?
In accordance with the Vigipirate Plan and for security reasons, we would like to remind you than only one small bag (purse or small backpack) per person is allowed within the circuit. No large bag, large item or cooler will be allowed inside. Folding chairs and umbrellas are permitted. The following items are prohibited: • Weapons, blunt instruments and sharp objects • Explosives and flamable substances and devices • Glass containers • Fires • Animals (apart from guide dogs) • Alcohol • Drones • Sunshades • Laser devices • Banners or other medium bearing political, religious or promotional messages
Hi, do you know if there will be an autograph session at any point of the weekend? Thank you. Looking to get merc autographs (specifically my boy Lewis)
Hi Eliza, you need to download the “GP France” app – it lists the events in the Fanzone, and tomorrow (Saturday) there are three ‘Fan Forums’ for Formula 1 at 10am, 11:40 and 7pm. No more information but would be good to head to the Fanzone at these times. You can also find the concert info on the app