Five reasons why you should be excited for our return to Le Castellet

After a one-season absence, Formula 3 returns to Le Castellet this weekend, with the grid set for their second round of the 2021 season, just over a month on from the opener in Barcelona.

Here’s why we can’t wait to be back in the south of France…

__1. HOME HEROES __

Everyone loves a home hero and there are four potential candidates in Round 2, with Victor Martins, Clément Novalak, Pierre-Louis Chovet and Reshad de Gerus all competing under the French flag. In fact, Novalak grew up less than an hour away from Paul Ricard, in Aix-En-Provence.

Both Martins and Novalak clinched podiums in the opening round last May and will expect to be fighting for further rostrums and wins this weekend, boosted by the familiar surroundings of their home circuit.

Novalak has spoken fondly of stories that his dad told him about the track, while also recalling his own memories of Le Castellet growing up. The 20-year-old last competed there in his 2018 Formula Renault Eurocup campaign, although failed to score.

Martins may not have grown up quite as close to Le Castellet as Novalak, but he has his own fond memories of the track, having won the Formula Renault Eurocup title there last year. The Frenchman also had the added incentive of competing for the academy of French Formula 1 team Alpine.

2. GOOD WEATHER

We’re regularly blessed with beautiful weather in Le Castellet and this weekend looks set to be no different, with temperatures of more than 28 on all three days.

As well as making for a beautiful backdrop and an enjoyable setting for any travelling fans, the high temperatures could also affect the action.

In line with the weather, track temperatures have often been particularly high at Paul Ricard, and this is likely to play a role in the races, challenging the drivers to save their tyres effectively.

Anyone who overpushes risks dropping back at the end of the race, which could result in a thrilling final few laps. We’d suggest not switching off early…

3. FANS

Speaking of fans, it is expected that there will be a number of them in France, with the locals given their first opportunity to support a local driver in Formula 3.

The last time F3 raced in Le Castellet, there weren’t any French drivers on the grid, so passionate partisans will relish seeing multiple names out on track, as well as Alpine Academy duo Victor Martins and Caio Collet, who will be bidding to do the French team proud.

__4. OVERTAKING OPPORTUNITIES __

France proved to be a pivotal point in the rise of Robert Shwartzman two years ago, with the Russian putting on a flawless performance to take victory in Race 2, but perhaps the most eye-catching aspect of his display was his audacious double-overtake of Yuki Tsunoda and Alex Peroni for the lead.

Making the move down the main straight and into the first two turns, Shwarztman’s manoeuvre was proof of the overtaking opportunities around Le Castellet for those who are brave enough.

The opening two corners are the first of two key overtaking spots around Paul Ricard, with the second coming down the Mistral straight, where drivers can hit top speeds ahead of Turn 7, with a left-hander followed by a right-hander and then another straight. __

5. THE TITLE RACE CONTINUES

It’s been just over a month since Dennis Hauger took the lead of the Drivers’ Championship in the opening round of the season at Barcelona, the PREMA Racing driver securing pole, followed by victory in Race 3.

The Norwegian’s lead could have been even greater had he not been caught up in the Race 2 fracas that saw four front-row retirements, including him. The DNFs handed the win to Hauger’s PREMA teammate, Ollie Caldwell, who currently sits second.

Just two points separate the teammates heading into Round 2, with French duo Clément Novalak and Victor Martins in third and fourth, four and eight points behind.