A Paul Ricard track day with Stratos: the whole circuit in Le Castellet hired for up to 15 drivers, a GT car supplied and a coach in the car with you.
In short: Circuit Paul Ricard is a 5.842 km Formula 1 circuit with 15 corners in Le Castellet, in the Var, between Marseille and Toulon. Its 1.8 km Mistral straight and blue run-off are known worldwide. Stratos hires the whole circuit for two full days for up to 15 drivers, with three nights at a hand-picked hotel.
Stratos at Paul Ricard
Stratos hires the whole circuit for up to 15 drivers. See upcoming events for dates and availability.
The circuit
Circuit Paul Ricard is in Le Castellet, Var, near Marseille. It was built in 1969 with finance from the pastis maker Paul Ricard and opened on 19 April 1970.
The circuit can run many layouts. The Formula 1 layout, called 1C-V2, uses the Mistral chicane and measures 5.842 km with 15 turns. It is built on a plateau and is very flat. The run-off is not gravel: the Blue Zone is a mix of asphalt and tungsten, and a deeper Red Zone uses an abrasive surface that shortens braking distances.
| Length | 5.842 km (layout 1C-V2, with the Mistral chicane) |
|---|---|
| Corners | 15 |
| Mistral straight | 1.8 km, split by a chicane in this layout |
| Altitude | 408 m |
| Licence | FIA Grade 1 |
| Opened | 1970 |
| Formula 1 lap record | 1:32.740, Sebastian Vettel, 2019 |
A short history
Paul Ricard hosted the French Grand Prix intermittently from 1971 to 1990, then again in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022. When it opened, its facilities made it one of the safest circuits in the world, and its mild winters and on-site airstrip made it a favourite for Formula 1 testing. In 1986 the Mistral was shortened after Elio de Angelis died in testing. The circuit was rebuilt as a high-speed test track around 2001, adding the run-off zones and many optional corners. It hosts the Bol d'Or, the European Le Mans Series and the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup.
The lap, corner by corner
Corner names on the Formula 1 layout:
- Turns 1 and 2, S de la Verrerie. The first sequence after the start.
- Turns 3 and 4, Hôtel.
- Turn 5, Camp, and Turn 6, Sainte-Baume. Sainte-Baume is a tight right and a clear braking point.
- Turns 8 and 9, the Mistral chicane. It breaks the long straight in two.
- Turn 10, Signes. A very fast right at the end of the Mistral.
- Turn 11, Double Droite du Beausset. A long, demanding double right.
- Turns 12 to 14, Bendor, Garlaban and Lac. The final sector, where the pit lane entry sits between Turns 14 and 15.
- Turn 15, Pont. The slowest corner on the lap, onto the start line.
What it's like to drive
In a Porsche 911 GT3 RS or a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, the Mistral lets the car run, then Signes asks for commitment at high speed. The Beausset double right is the corner where patience pays: hold a steady throttle and let the car settle. Because the run-off is asphalt, a small mistake usually costs time rather than ending the session.
Ways to drive Paul Ricard
The circuit lists public track days run by organisers, in open pit lane or split session formats, with one November 2026 day capped at 70 registrations. With Stratos, the whole circuit is hired for up to 15 drivers, with the car, private coaching and hotel arranged.
Public track day or Stratos
| Public track day | Stratos | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic | Participant and on-track limits depend on the organiser and format | Up to 15 drivers, and the circuit is yours |
| Track time | Scheduled sessions or open pit lane, depending on the organiser | Two track days with unlimited kilometers; sessions, breaks and car sharing apply |
| Who's there | Entry requirements and experience groups depend on the organiser | A group by invitation, founders and tech leaders under 45 |
| Cars | Your own road car, or a rental if one is allowed | Porsche GT3 and GT3 RS, Ferrari or Lamborghini, prepared and run by our team |
| Coaching | Availability varies; some organisers offer personal coaching | Private coaching from professional instructors, in your car |
| Data | Personal recording or organiser services, depending on the event | Onboard video and lap data, reviewed with your coach after each session |
| Accommodation | You find and book your own | Three nights at a hand-picked hotel near the circuit, with transfers included |
| Food | Catering arrangements depend on the event | Catered lunches at the circuit and dinners at the region's best restaurants |
How Stratos runs it
The planned format is two full days of private circuit hire, with safety crew and marshals, and three nights. Included: private coaching with professional race drivers, meals and group dinners, airport and circuit transfers, driving equipment, data and video review, and professional photography and film. Unlimited kilometers with your Stratos car.
The sample itinerary:
- Arrival. Check in and join the group for dinner and a driver briefing.
- Track day one. Learn the circuit. Start with your coach, build familiarity with the lap and develop your technique at your own pace.
- Track day two. Build on your progress. Refine your lines and bring the previous day's learning into each session.
- Departure. Breakfast, check-out and onward transfers. Photos, film and coaching notes follow.
Where you stay
Three nights at a hand-picked hotel near the circuit, with a room for each driver and dinners at the region's best restaurants. The hotel is confirmed on the event page and may change to a similar or higher-standard property.
Getting there
- Marseille Provence (MRS). About 65 km from the circuit, with the most European routes.
- Toulon Hyères (TLN). About 55 km, the closest commercial airport, with fewer routes.
- Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE). About 176 km, with long-haul flights.
- Le Castellet Airport. Next to the circuit, for private aircraft.
- By road. The A50 motorway, exit 11, La Cadière d'Azur.
Airport and circuit transfers are included in the Stratos format.
FAQ
How long is Circuit Paul Ricard?
5.842 km in the Formula 1 layout, with 15 corners.
Where is Circuit Paul Ricard?
In Le Castellet, Var, in Provence, between Marseille and Toulon.
What is the Mistral straight?
A 1.8 km straight, the longest on the circuit, split by a chicane in the Formula 1 layout.
What are the blue lines at Paul Ricard?
The Blue Zone, run-off made of asphalt and tungsten instead of gravel. A deeper Red Zone helps cars stop.
Is Paul Ricard good for a first track day?
Yes. The asphalt run-off is forgiving, and a coach sits beside you from the first lap.
What is the nearest airport to Paul Ricard?
Toulon Hyères, about 55 km away. Marseille Provence, about 65 km away, has more flights.
Where do Stratos drivers stay?
At a hand-picked hotel near the circuit, listed on the event page.
When is the next Stratos event here?
See upcoming events for dates.
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