Paul Ricard could remove Mistral chicane for F1

With the French Grand Prix making a return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2018, the Circuit Paul Ricard could make some changes to the track characteristics to accommodate the cars. Currently, there is a chicane halfway down the Mistral Straight.

Originally, it was decided that the long straight would feature the chicane, but there are now plans to have it removed. The straight runs from the exit of turn 3, Saint-Beaume to the entry of turn 5, Signes.

Esteban Ocon will be racing next year at his first ever home Grand Prix, along with fellow Frenchman Romain Grosjean. Ocon admitted that the news of the French Grand Prix being confirmed on the calendar is a dream come true.

"This is really one of the best bits of news of the year for me," the 20-year-old told a press conference on Tuesday. "I've always dreamt of racing at home, it's a dream that will come true next year. It's a circuit that I like, I've won there before.

"We'll feel at home, we know the area, everyone will be supporting us, it's an extra boost and an extra motivation. I've heard people say that you gain three-tenths of a second per lap at home. It would be more sensational if we arrived with more speed at the Signes corner. But if it (the chicane) stays, there is another opportunity for overtaking."

Fergal Walsh