European Le Mans - 4 Hours of Le Castellet

The 4 Hours of Le Castellet is an endurance sportscar racing event held at Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, France. This race forms part of the European Le Mans Series, commonly known as ELMS. The event has been a fixture in the ELMS championship for fourteen consecutive years. Circuit Paul Ricard provides the venue for this competitive endurance race.

The European Le Mans Series takes inspiration from the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans. ELMS offers a full season of car racing across some of Europe's finest tracks. Teams compete for prestigious automatic invitations to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the following year. The top teams in each category earn this coveted entry.

The 4 Hours of Le Castellet features four distinct racing categories. LMP2 represents the top prototype class. LMP2 Pro-Am offers a category for mixed driver lineups. LMP3 provides entry-level prototype racing. LMGT3 showcases GT cars from major manufacturers. The event typically attracts around 44 entries across these four classes.

Circuit Paul Ricard opened in April 1970. Paul Ricard, the pastis magnate, financed the construction of this facility. The circuit sits on a plateau near Marseille in the Var region. The track measures 5.821 kilometers in length and features 15 turns. The circuit's flat layout has only a 30-meter difference between its lowest and highest points.

The Mistral Straight defines Circuit Paul Ricard. This straight stretches 1.8 kilometers and allows cars to reach very high speeds. A chicane often splits this straight into sections. The circuit underwent major modifications between 2000 and 2005. These changes created 247 possible configurations, ranging from 0.828 kilometers to the full 5.858 kilometers.

Circuit Paul Ricard uses distinctive blue and red runoff areas. These colored zones feature high-grip painted lines that slow cars down. The colors provide visual cues to drivers about different grip levels. Tecpro barriers line the safety zones. These crushable polyethylene blocks absorb impact energy better than old tire walls. The circuit earned recognition as one of the safest motor racing facilities when it opened.

The track offers varied challenges for competitors. Technical sections demand precision from drivers. Sweeping bends alternate with tight hairpins. Long straights test top speed and braking performance. Teams must balance setup compromises across these different corner types. The Mediterranean location brings unique weather conditions that can affect racing strategy.

Bernie Ecclestone purchased Circuit Paul Ricard in 1999 and redeveloped it as a high-speed test facility. Racing returned to the venue in 2009. The circuit has hosted the FIA Formula One French Grand Prix on 14 occasions. Formula One teams extensively used the facility for testing. The circuit has claimed the title of most modern motorsport facility in two different eras.

French motorsport has strong representation at the 4 Hours of Le Castellet. Many French drivers and teams compete in this ELMS race. Notable teams across the categories include Iron Lynx, United Autosports, Nielsen Racing, Inter Europol Competition, AF Corse, and GR Racing. The entry list spans experienced professional teams and developing programs.

The LMP2 class features Oreca chassis from multiple teams. LMP2 Pro-Am combines professional drivers with amateur talent. LMP3 uses Ligier chassis and provides close racing. LMGT3 includes Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, and other GT manufacturers. Each class produces its own battle for position and points.

Circuit Paul Ricard sits at an elevation between 408 and 441 meters above sea level. The blue and red color scheme matches the Mediterranean coastal region. The circuit layout tests endurance, speed, and strategy over four hours of racing. Teams must manage tire wear, fuel consumption, and driver changes. Traffic management becomes crucial as faster prototypes navigate around GT cars.

The 4 Hours of Le Castellet combines professional racing with the unique character of Circuit Paul Ricard. The ELMS series provides a pathway to Le Mans glory. Fans can follow multiple class battles simultaneously. The race offers compelling sportscar action across four hours of competition.