HISTORIC TOUR PAUL RICARD | PRESENTATION

RICARD UNDER BLUE SKIES, RICARD DELIGHTFUL!

At the midway point of its 11th edition, the Historic Tour sets down in the Var region just days before summer officially begins, after previous stops at Dijon-Prenois in early April and Lédenon in mid-May. This weekend, from June 13 to 15, another iconic venue in French motorsport welcomes the competitors: Circuit Paul Ricard, nestled between Marseille and Toulon. This renowned and versatile track will host the Historic Tour drivers on its 3.775 km layout, without the chicane on the Mistral straight. A high-speed configuration promises thrilling battles through fast corners and tighter turns in the third sector.

As always, the weekend will be packed. Friday is dedicated to practice sessions, followed by 18 sprint races across 9 grids during the weekend. Additionally, a 90-minute endurance race will conclude Saturday’s action.

Around 210 cars will take to the track, driven by nearly 230 competitors from all over France and several neighboring European countries. One of the most anticipated grids is the 200 KM of the Historic Tour, which will feature no fewer than 37 cars. Furthermore, two special highlights will allow spectators to access the starting grid before the races begin: the Roadster Pro Cup on Saturday and the Youngtimers GTI Cup + Superberline 2.0L on Sunday, part of an immersive “Grid Walk” experience available to fans who’ve chosen this option.

FRENCH CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

After two rounds held in dry conditions, some drivers have already made strong moves in the race for the French Championship title.

In the Single-Seaters/Prototypes category, one driver stands out with a perfect score from the first two weekends: François Belle (Historic Formula Ford). With 160 out of 160 possible points, he leads by 24 points over Axel Castillou (Formula Ford Kent), followed by Swiss driver Jean Dionisotti (Historic Formula Ford) with 123 points from four races.

In GT/Touring pre-1990, Alain Lagache (Maxi 2L) leads with 145 points, 14 ahead of Dominique Vulliez (Lotus Trophy, 131 points) and Philippe Koenig (Lotus Trophy, 119 points).

In GT/Touring post-1990, Yannick Blanc (Roadster Pro Cup) tops the standings with 150 points, five ahead of Frédéric Chaulan (145 points), who claimed two wins at Lédenon in the Youngtimers GTI Cup. Julien Nougaret follows with 135 points, also in the Roadster Pro Cup.

Finally, in Historic Endurance, Sébastien Mathieu leads the standings after a win in Dijon and a second-place finish in Lédenon. He has 75 points, 19 ahead of Danne/Grenet (56 points). Last weekend’s winners and reigning French champions Besson/Gagnard complete the podium with 53 points.

WHICH GRIDS, WHICH CARS?

FRENCH CHAMPIONSHIPS – SINGLE-SEATERS / PROTOTYPES

Trophée Formule Renault Historic & Classic

Races: Saturday 12:50 and Sunday 11:45 (2 x 14 laps)

Cars: Formula Renault Historic (pre-1995) and Classic (pre-2010)

Trophée Formule Ford Kent

Races: Sunday 09:00 and 14:30 (2 x 10 laps)

Cars: Formula Ford Kent single-seaters (pre-1993)

Challenge Formula Ford Historic

Races: Saturday 16:00 and Sunday 11:05 (2 x 10 laps)

Cars: Formula Ford single-seaters (pre-1982)

FRENCH CHAMPIONSHIPS – GT / TOURING PRE-1990

Lotus Trophy

Races: Saturday 12:05 and Sunday 10:20 (2 x 14 laps)

Cars: Lotus Seven and early Caterham

Racing Over 2L + Proto Historic & Classic

Races: Sunday 09:40 and 15:50 (2 x 12 laps)

Cars: GT/Touring cars over 2000cc (and under 2000cc with over 200hp) pre-1981, Prototypes up to 1989 or 2000 (Historic & Classic)

Maxi 2L Classic + Maxi 1300 Series

Races: Saturday 15:20 and Sunday 17:10 (2 x 10 laps)

Cars: GT/Touring cars under 2000cc and under 200hp pre-1981, and under 1300cc pre-1981 (includes Classic Mini Cup)

FRENCH CHAMPIONSHIPS – GT / TOURING POST-1990

Roadster Pro Cup

Races: Saturday 14:40 and Sunday 15:10 (2 x 11 laps)

Cars: First-generation Mazda MX-5

Youngtimers GTI Cup + SuperBerline 2.0L

Races: Saturday 11:25 and Sunday 13:50 (2 x 10 laps)

Cars: GTI cars under 2L pre-1998 (Youngtimers GTI Cup) and Super Touring evocations from the 1990s (SuperBerline)

Trophée GT Classic + Saloon Cars (Support Grid)

Races: Saturday 09:35 and Sunday 16:30 (2 x 11 laps)

Cars: GT cars pre-1998 (GT Classic) and GT/Touring cars pre-2000 (Saloon Cars)

FRENCH HISTORIC ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP

200 KM of the Historic Tour

Race: Saturday 16:40 (90 minutes)

Cars: Prototypes, GTs, and Touring cars eligible across the Historic Tour grids

IN THE PADDOCK

In the paddock, the Historic Tour’s partner village features Oreca (motorsport parts sales), Avon Nova / Sodifuel (tires and fuel suppliers), and Stand 21 (custom and safety driver gear).

Additionally, the traditional Kennol Awards will honor a standout driver following each of Sunday’s races.

Media contact: presse@hvmracing.fr