F1 drivers want Paul Ricard chicane removed!

©WRI

Several F1 drivers gave the Paul Ricard chicane located on the Mistral straight two thumbs down during Friday's drivers' briefing with FIA race director Charlie Whiting.

Criticism of the track's layout centered around the drivers' doubts that fans would see a great race on Sunday, with many believing that running down the long straight unimpeded would actually offer better overtaking opportunities.

Unfortunately, no changes can be made this weekend as the track's current configuration - including the chicane - was officially homologated by the governing body for F1.

"We asked Charlie [Whiting, FIA race director] about this, to improve the overtaking, to improve the show, and make it more interesting," said Force India's Sergio Perez.

"I think the best race we've had up to now this year has been in Baku, and all the tracks should be taking some direction from that. The circuit is challenging, it pushes the drivers for mistakes."

Toro Rosso's Brendon Hartley was also among those advocating a change for next year, having experienced running down the long straight unhindered while testing Porsche's LMP1 car.

"I think a long straight line will potentially create more overtakes," the Kiwi told Motorsport.com.

"I don't think it will happen for tomorrow, but I've tested and raced without the chicane.

"It makes things interesting because it's less downforce with the long straight line, Turn 10 becomes more of a corner, and so does the last sector with less downforce.

"Maybe it's a discussion point for next year. The good news is here there are plenty of options."

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