80,000 spectators at French Historic Grand Prix

The sixth edition of the French Historic Grand Prix, which took place over 3 days at the Circuit Paul Ricard, was exceptional, with record-breaking performances and historic sequences for motorsport enthusiasts. The event, co-organized by the circuit and HVM Racing and supported by the FFSA, offered a spectacle and a program unique in France around Formula 1 and historic single-seaters.

Saturday April 20 was marked by an unforgettable moment, during which a religious silence resounded in the Castellet grandstands : Alain Prost slipped on his gloves and helmet and slid into the bucket of the very first Formula 1 car of his career, the McLaren M29 he drove in 1980. The four-time world champion and national hero launched his F1 car onto the Circuit Paul Ricard for a few laps of the Var circuit. It was a moment out of time, an opportunity to recall the unique career of France's most successful F1 driver. He was then joined on track by other Formula 1 legends and their famous steeds : Jacky Ickx in his 1972 Ferrari 312B2, Jean Alesi in his 1994 Ferrari 412T and René Arnoux in his 1979 Renault RS10. The latter even offered a further nod to history by rubbing shoulders on the track with Gilles Villeneuve's former Ferrari T4, driven by its owner.

Like Alain Prost, who was invited by their friend Jean Alesi to take part in the event, Gerhard Berger thrilled the public when he took the wheel of the McLaren MP4/6 that enabled Ayrton Senna to win his third world title in 1991, paying tribute to his former Brazilian team-mate, who died 30 years ago. His memory was also celebrated this weekend with an exhibition dedicated entirely to him.

Circuit Paul Ricard president Jean Alesi was very much in evidence this weekend, both on the track and among the fans. The 201-time Grand Prix driver from Avignon enjoyed himself this weekend, not only driving his 1994 Ferrari 412T, but also the Italian marque's 312 "Spaghetti" during the celebrity shows. Jean Alesi was also seen at the wheel of the Porsche 934 which won the 200 km endurance race on Saturday, driven with Philippe Gache and Jean-Pierre Richelmi.

The success of the Grand Prix de France Historique is also due to the proximity of the public, who were able to meet the drivers at autograph sessions, admire legendary Formula 1s and 200 classic cars up close, attend 15 races in one weekend, take advantage of the circuit's leisure activities and numerous catering areas... an event unique in France.