Many drivers lament the presence of the chicane that splits Paul Ricard's long Mistral straight, but the venue still delivers big numbers when it comes to top speed.
Maximum velocity is obviously dependent on aerodynamic load as well as outright power, but it was perhaps still surprising to see Daniel Ricciardo Renault clock in with the best top speed.
The Aussie's 342.5 km/h recorded by the speed trap nicely supports the French manufacturer's claimed improvements of its most recent specification power unit.
It was but a small edge however for the Renault-powered car as three Ferrari-equipped drivers - Kimi Raikkonen, Antonio Giovinazzi and Sebastian Vettel - were hot on Ricciardo's heels.
French Grand Prix poleman Lewis Hamilton rode the Mistral straight at 338.6 km/h but we know the Mercedes W10 is in a league of its own in Paul Ricard's third six-corner winding sector.
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
The FIA has opened a new chapter in its governance structure – one that immediately…
Lewis Hamilton has lifted the lid on a painful secret that followed him into his…
It’s back to the picturesque and rolling hills of Styria for the Austrian GP at…
Fernando Alonso has had enough. Standing before the media on Thursday at the Red Bull…
Esteban Ocon has once again found himself batting away questions about his Formula 1 future,…
Kimi Antonelli will head into this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix armed with fresh Mercedes hardware…