Whiting visits Paul Ricard after changes to French GP venue

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F1 race director Charlie Whiting was at Paul Ricard last Friday to inspect a few changes made to the home of the French Grand Prix.

Issues regarding the track's new surface were brought to the forefront last September after the motorcycle Bol d'Or event, leading Paul Ricard to re-surface approximately 60 percent of the 5.8 km circuit.

"The quality of the new surface appears impeccable, so we believe we've put those issues to rest," circuit manager Stéphane Clair told French daily Var-Matin.

"Specifically, all the corners were redone. Only the straights remain as they were."

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Paul Ricard will also see a change to its pit entry area which is in the process of being relocated to the penultimate corner.

The change is justified to increase safety but also to boost the spectacle for this year's race.

"French Grand Prix spectators who have purchased tickets for grandstands located in that area won't regret their investment," added Clair.

"They'll enjoy a great view of the last sector and the entry into the pit lane."

The French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard is set to take place on June 23.

Unfortunately, last year's event which marked the race's return to the F1 calendar was undermined by massive traffic problems that left thousands of people stranded in the blistering heat as they struggled to make their way to the track on the area's unpractical back roads.

French Grand Prix organisers have already stated that new access roads won't be built for this year's race, but a temporary solution will be put in place in June to help improve accessibility.

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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.