Winter testing could have a new home next season, with Paul Ricard bidding to host at least one of the pre-season tests for the 2018 Formula 1 season.
Not favoured by all the teams, Barcelona has hosted winter testing for a number of years. With mild, but not warm conditions in early March, it is often criticised for not being representative of the rest of the season.
However, with a return of the French Grand Prix in 2018, the south of France could be the new location for testing, already used extensively by Pirelli in the development of their tyres.
Talking to French sports publication L’Equipe, Paul Ricard boss Stephane Clair confirmed the plan, “Our application makes sense. The teams know the quality of our services, and with Magneti
“The teams know the quality of our services, and with Magneti Marelli our telemetry facilities means the teams have less to take to the testing.”
With the grand prix due to be hosted at the circuit on June 24, he added “Also, as the teams will not know the new track, it could be tempting for them. The only question is whether we will share with another circuit.”
It could be a popular choice with drivers, many of whom live in nearby Monaco and they would get their first taste of the new circuit.
Barcelona has shared winter testing with Jerez and Valencia in previous years, although there is currently only eight days allocated compared to the previous twelve.
A brief change to Bahrain in 2014 to gain experience in the warmer climes was quickly reversed, despite the warmer weather with a fear over rising costs.
