Series leader aiming for a “clean” Paul Ricard event

Lando Norris kicks off a hectic three-week period in Southern France next weekend (23-24 Jun) in which the FIA Formula 2 Championship leader will contest six races that will have a major influence on his title aspirations.  

The fast and sweeping 3.63-mile Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet hosts rounds 9 & 10 of the 24-race series the 18-year-old has led after steering his Carlin-entered Dallara to victory at the first race in Bahrain. Further events in Austria and his “home” races in Britain offer a maximum 132-points score and with a 27pt advantage, the McLaren F1 Test & Reserve driver is looking for a good mid-summer points haul. 

Norris finished first and second in two Formula Renault EuroCup races on his Paul Ricard début in 2016 – the only time the BRDC SuperStar has ever raced at the fast and sweeping venue near Marseille. Lando was last on-track there in March, setting the fastest time at a F2 championship pre-season test.

TIMETABLE

Friday: 1355-1440 Practice 

1755-1825 Qualifying

Saturday: 1745-1850 Race 1 (Feature)

Sunday: 1200-1250 Race 2 (Sprint)

*Local times above are +1hr to UK.  

Lando Norris (GB): Born: Bristol, England. Aged 18.

"I’m generally pleased how the first part of the season has gone, heading to Ricard leading the Drivers’ standings and Carlin the Teams’ championship, but it could have been slightly better. I could have done a better job in some of the previous qualifying sessions. My aim is for a clean weekend, starting the event off strong, like we did in Monaco, but obviously without the mistake in qualifying. I’ve always enjoyed driving at Ricard and have generally gone pretty well there. It’s not one of the easiest tracks to overtake on, there are possibilities, but qualifying will be important. The track seemed quite low on tyre wear in the F2 test there earlier this year which could make the races tricky. I went well [at Ricard] in Formula Renault and hopefully I can keep that up in F2.”