F1 drivers want Paul Ricard chicane removed!

©WRI

Several F1 drivers gave the Paul Ricard chicane located on the Mistral straight two thumbs down during Friday's drivers' briefing with FIA race director Charlie Whiting.

Criticism of the track's layout centered around the drivers' doubts that fans would see a great race on Sunday, with many believing that running down the long straight unimpeded would actually offer better overtaking opportunities.

Unfortunately, no changes can be made this weekend as the track's current configuration - including the chicane - was officially homologated by the governing body for F1.

"We asked Charlie [Whiting, FIA race director] about this, to improve the overtaking, to improve the show, and make it more interesting," said Force India's Sergio Perez.

"I think the best race we've had up to now this year has been in Baku, and all the tracks should be taking some direction from that. The circuit is challenging, it pushes the drivers for mistakes."

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Toro Rosso's Brendon Hartley was also among those advocating a change for next year, having experienced running down the long straight unhindered while testing Porsche's LMP1 car.

"I think a long straight line will potentially create more overtakes," the Kiwi told Motorsport.com.

"I don't think it will happen for tomorrow, but I've tested and raced without the chicane.

"It makes things interesting because it's less downforce with the long straight line, Turn 10 becomes more of a corner, and so does the last sector with less downforce.

"Maybe it's a discussion point for next year. The good news is here there are plenty of options."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.