The French Grand Prix organisers have responded to the traffic problems around the Paul Ricard circuit which caused some fans to abandon their attempts to reach the track for today’s practice session.
A statement issued by the FIA described the steps the race organisers and local authority have taken in response to the lengthy traffic jams around the track.“To address the situation, the authorities and the event organiser have taken the following decisions: To open all available car parks simultaneously (25,000 parking spaces) [and] to temporarily double the lanes of traffic in the immediate vicinity of the Circuit Paul Ricard.”
“The situation is gradually improving,” the statement added. “Traffic was particularly dense between 10am and 1pm.”
RaceFans was contacted by several fans who gave up their attempts to reach the circuit after spending hours stuck in traffic jams. Up to 65,000 fans are expected to attend Sunday’s race, which will be the first French Grand Prix to take place at the Paul Ricard track since 1990.
Before the season began the Paul Ricard promoters told RaceFans that improving the traffic situation was a priority for the event.
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Jeffrey (@jeffreyj)
22nd June 2018, 17:18
65.000 isn’t even that much really… Most tracks clear 100k easily. Really sorry for the fans who didn’t get to the track and had to spend all day in a car at 30 degrees C….. shees.
Ju88sy (@)
22nd June 2018, 17:46
Utter incompetence, apparently the French GP organisers turned down the sports specialist traffic management support resources (BBC Radio 5). A French Farce!
The limitations around the circuit are obvious as are the solutions for anyone who has attended large public events before.
Calum Menzies
22nd June 2018, 18:02
That’s such a shame to read that folk’s live F1 experience was badly affected.
I seem to recall reading plenty comments online at the announcement of Paul Ricard getting the race, saying the local roads could be problematic.
Nick Wyatt (@nickwyatt)
22nd June 2018, 20:10
Yes, the local roads are really only suitable for country traffic loads, not 20,000 extra cars in just a couple of hours. Theoretically, the D2 from the coast should be able to cope, but it’s a single lane road.
Imagine the roads around Cadwell Park in the UK, and then imagine trying to hold the British Grand Prix there . . .
Jere (@jerejj)
22nd June 2018, 21:07
Beyond ridiculous, LOL. They should’ve seen this coming, and, therefore, should’ve been much more prepared in planning the traffic arrangements well in advance before the race weekend. #IncompetenceAtItsBest
@HoHum (@hohum)
22nd June 2018, 23:40
The problem will be completely eradicated by Tuesday.
Guybrush Threepwood
23rd June 2018, 2:18
Lol, sounds like Renault might be running this event.