From 2000 //
During the 2000’s, started the new age of the Paul Ricard Circuit with the modernization, the return of international competitions as well as the return of spectators on the Plateau.
After the purchase of the circuit, numerous studies were conducted in preparation for the major project of modernizing the track.
After the new Toyota Motorsport Formula 1 was launched, the renovation work began in April with the competitive bidding among companies from the Var and Bouches du Rhône regions of France. The original layout of the track is modified to optimize safety:
- Removal of the chicane after the “Double Droite du Beausset”;
- Transformations of the turns "Virage du Pont", "Virage de l’Hôtel", "Virage du Camp", « Virage de Bendor » and "Virage du Lac".
- Creation of new more technical turns: the "Epingle" (Hairpin), the North and South Chicanes in the Mistral straight, the "Airport" S curve and the Signes Chicane.
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The Paul Ricard HTTT becomes an innovative track, ahead of its time, in particular due to its Blue Line™ concept, which combines design with safety.
Construction of the Montreal Chicane in the Mistral straight.
Construction of the “Petit Beausset” turn in the Signes curve.
Construction of the Suzuka V1 and V2 turns at the Verrerie “S” turns.
The track is given the FIA Homologation (Fédération Automobile Internationale).
The Paul Ricard HTTT receives the prize of First Center of Excellence awarded by the FIA Institute for Motorsport Safety, recognizing the work done in safety research and innovation.
Ten years after the last event attended by spectators (the "Bol d'Or" in September 1999), the Paul Ricard HTTT opened again its doors to spectators for motorsport races and club meetings. Additional developments are made, such as the construction of a 4.400-seat grandstand in the start straight, completing the 600 seats in the 2004-build Grand Prix Hall, as well as a car parking behind the new grandstands.
In the summer 2009, the Circuit started the development of an additional public area: the hill over the “Double Droite du Beausset” turn. This expansion increased the spectator area and allowed to welcome over 10.000 people. Car and motorcycle parking and picnic areas are also equipped behind the hill of the Signes curve.
The Pit Building is being extended in order to supply new garages: the Pit Building II counts 5 additional garages which can be split up and two technical pits. This new building also offers five commentator cabins as well as the new podium on its roof. Thanks to this extension, the circuit counts 34 garages and an additional paddock area, the Paddock II, of 10,000 square meters.
The circuit celebrated its 40th birthday during a gala party organized on October 10th, with prestigious guests and famous drivers and personalities who built the 40 years of the legendary circuit.
