See the drivers reaction to the Paul Ricard track

The drivers and teams spent yesterday walking around the Paul Ricard track. It’s the first time a Formula 1 race has been held here for 28 years so they’re heading a little bit into the unknown! Take a look below to see some of their first impressions. 

Sebastian Vettel 

The German seems to have the hump with the French track already. It doesn’t seem like he’s too impressed. 

“I think maybe this track is not the most exciting track we have in France. Maybe there are other ones. If the French Grand Prix stays on the calendar, which I hope, it might be nice to go somewhere else.” 

But Vettel hinted he feels a little bit optimistic going into the weekend. 

“I’m looking forward to it in general. It’s known as a test track here, not a race track, I think already now we come in we have more colours, more people, more things going on, it looks already a lot nicer.”

Pierre Gasly 

It’s his home race, so he’s bound to be more excited going into this race this weekend. Earlier in the week, he hailed the news of a Grand Prix in France as the best news ever. 

“The last time I came here was in 2014, and there are now so many grandstands, much more people than I used to see here. I think we raced with Esteban in 2013 and I raced here in 2014, I won Formula four and also in Formula Renault.”

And it’s these fantastic memories which Gasly will look to build on this weekend in front of his home fans. Imagine how well another Bahrain result would go down!! 

“It’s my first season and I get the chance to race my country, so an amazing opportunity.”

Valtteri Bottas 

“It’s very nice to see the French Grand Prix back in the calendar. I’ve never raced in France with a Formula One car, so it’s going to be good. I’ve raced here before in junior categories, nearly ten years ago, but it seems there is a very strong fan base here in France”

Interviews from racefans.net.