Gwladys Laffitte (special correspondent at Le Castellet), edited by Ophélie Artaud
200,000 spectators are expected for this new edition of the Formula 1 Grand Prix de France and the first enthusiasts are already there, on the eve of the start, this Sunday at 3 p.m. If this year could be the last to be organized at Le Castellet, in the Var, the participants do not want to believe it.
The public has gathered at Le Castellet where the Formula 1 Grand Prix de France is being held. The start will take place on Sunday at 3 p.m. We will know this Saturday afternoon who will start in pole position. The event kicked off on Friday. And the spectators are very numerous: more than 200,000 spectators are expected.
“A Child’s Dream”
In the shade of the pine forests, François and his two boys aged 10 and 16 take advantage of a moment of calm for lunch. Because if Formula 1 engines make a lot of noise, they also put stars in their eyes. This is their first grand prix on site. “Coming here is a childhood dream. It’s great,” rejoices the teenager. “We have guts that tighten when we see the speed, the braking. It’s crazy,” adds the father.
The heat is stifling. So some spectators, like Nicolas, take advantage of another part of the circuit. “We are witnessing our first grand prix in the swimming pool. Indeed, it is quite atypical but it is a very nice experience”, he smiles.
Everyone is aware that this edition could be the last at Le Castellet. But they don’t want to believe it. “It’s one of those sports where you think you’re lucky to be in France, to be able to get close to a competition as exceptional as Formula 1 which, moreover, is an ancestral competition. I hope that it will stay at Le Castellet”, wishes Maxence. In any case, many of them enjoy the show. This weekend, the stands will be completely full.