The Circuit Paul Ricard near Le Castellet in the South of France is the only circuit to host a round of the ELMS every year since 2013 and even hosted two races in 2020. The unique layout, with the long 1.8km Mistral Straight and the distinctive red and blue lines in the runoff areas, make this circuit immediately recognisable. The warm winter climate makes the Circuit Paul Ricard an ideal location for testing.
The Circuit Paul Ricard was opened in April 1970 by pastis magnate Paul Ricard, and it hosted the French Formula One Grand Prix for the first time in 1971. The French Grand Prix was held there until 1990, when the race was moved to Magny-Cour, before returning to the Circuit Paul Ricard in 2018.
After Ricard’s death, the circuit was sold to Bernie Eccelstone’s company Excelcis, with the track being rebuilt into an advanced test track. One of the innovative changes was the removal of the gravel traps and replacing them with blue and red painted abrasive lines, which are designed to safely slow cars down that go off track.
The Circuit Paul Ricard started to host public events once again in 2009. In 2010 the Le Mans Series held an 8-hour race and a 6-hour race in 2011.
In 2013 the current European Le Mans Series held a 3-hour race and in 2014 the current 4-hour format was held for the first time. In 2016 the Michelin Le Mans Cup was launched and held a 2-hour race at the track on the same weekend as the ELMS.
In 2020, with the Covid-19 restrictions limiting the options, the ELMS held two races at the circuit with the 4 Hours of Le Castellet in July, followed by a night race, the Le Castellet 240, at the end of August.
Now the Asian Le Mans Series will become part of the 56 year history of the Circuit Paul Ricard, with two 4-hour races this November. The 4 Hours of Le Castellet by ALMS will be held on the 13-15 November 2026 and will be Rounds 1 and 2 of the 2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series.
CLICK HERE to visit the official Circuit Paul Ricard website
