Paul Ricard

Here’s a motorcycle trackday–focused guide to Circuit Paul Ricard (Le Castellet, France)—a modern, highly configurable venue that delivers high-speed thrills, advanced safety, and excellent infrastructure.

🏁 Track Overview

Layouts: The Grand Prix layout for bikes is ~3.8 km (bike‑specific variant without Mistral chicane) and the full GP layout reaches ~5.8 km if no chicane is used.
Turns: Typically 15 (6 left, 9 right) on the full configuration.
Main straight: The famed Mistral straight spans ~1.8 km, allowing liter bikes to reach speeds upward of 290–300 km/h.
Elevation: Almost completely flat; the track is laid out on a plateau.

🏍️ Rider Perspective: What Makes This Circuit Stand Out

✅ Highlights

High-speed capacity: The long Mistral straight followed by heavy braking zones makes this venue ideal for practicing braking control, aero tuck, and top-speed confidence.
Safe modern runoff design: Paul Ricard features its signature “Blue Zone” low-grip asphalt and high-grip “Red Zone” runoff beds to decelerate off-track riders gently.
Configuration flexibility: Over 200 circuit layouts, with shorter, technical configurations available—great for training or rider schools.
Top-tier support: The circuit offers large garages, medical support, timing services, a panoramic restaurant, and coaching partners like Racing School Europe and Sport Découverte.

⚠️ Considerations

Noise limits: Static checks capped at roughly 100–109 dB depending on the organizer; compliance is enforced .
Require experience: The high-speed braking zones and technical chicane require smooth pace and trail-braking skill—novices should start with coaching sessions .
Remote & hot: Located in southern France; summer trackdays can be hot and require hydration planning.

🔑 Key Sections & Riding Flow

Mistral Straight → Signes: Build speed on the straight before heavy braking into the tight right-hander—ideal for mastering hard braking and stability.
Beausset double right: A flowing sequence after braking—great for smooth throttle feed and momentum carry.
Chicane & Signes: Many bike events use a chicane mid-Mistral to reduce top speed; technical practice zone for shifts and braking timing.
Final corners → pit entry: Commitment needed into the last slow bends; precise line sets you up for another flat dash.

🛠️ Setup & Riding Tips

Tyres: The surface offers great grip, but abrasive runoff areas can cause heavy wear if you run wide. Tire warmers highly recommended.
Brakes: Prepare for repeated high-speed braking; use fresh fluid and consider front-end stability tuning.
Suspension: Balance stability at speed with compliance during chicane changes. Set up for front-end precision and quick transitions.
Fitness & focus: High-speed laps are exhilarating—but mentally and physically demanding. Break in early sessions.

🧭 Trackday Formats & Logistics

Providers: Club events and solo rider trackdays are run by groups like Nomad Pilotage, Euro‑Motos, Racing School Europe, Sport‑Découverte, and more.
Session format: Typically 5–6 sessions of ~20 min, morning and afternoon with lunches at the panoramic clubhouse included in many packages.
Pricing: Day rates for your own bike often range from €200–300 depending on package; coaching days ~€400 including instruction and meals .
Noise checks & support: Static and drive-by dB checks, plus mechanical and tyre services available on-site .
Accommodation: Options include the upscale Hôtel du Castellet and Grand Prix Hotel on-site or nearby Sérérez or Bandol (~45–60 min from Marseille airport).

✅ Ideal For:

Intermediate to advanced riders with experience in high-speed braking and trail-braking technique.
Riders with litre-class sportbikes who want to exploit the long straight at high speed.
Those seeking a hot-weather training ground with world-class infrastructure and safety features.

📌 Pro Tips

Walk the track or study video beforehand, especially Mark the brake points after Mistral—visibility can be deceptive at 250 km/h+.
Start sessions conservatively; get familiar with grip transitions (track to runoff), chicane rhythm, and braking lines before pushing.
Bring spare tyres and brake pads if running multiple sessions—the circuit punishes mistakes on the edge.
Consider multi-day packages for time to adapt and improve—Paul Ricard rewards consistency over multiple laps.