A REPLACEMENT FOR PAUL RICARD? Le Mans Bugatti Circuit Laps in Assetto Corsa

People hate Paul Ricard. I like it to drive in sims and video games but as a race event it's... meh...
So why not find an alternative? I've done Magny Cours so why not the home of French Motorsport: Le Mans. But the shorter Bugatti track over the 8 mile monster that it's known for.
So how would an F1 car get round? Let's see...
Enjoy! And remember to like and subscribe for more!
Car: racesimstudio....
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[@alexrobertssings]

I feel like a race here would be similar to Imola. Not a bad race per-se but probably very strategic with not to much passing on track.

[@BurnBot_TV]

Overtaking doesnt always mean a boring race...

[@SetonHallPirate]

You know what would be really interesting if it could be worked out safety wise? Bugatti counterclockwise!

[@BurnBot_TV]

@@SetonHallPirate someone has to make that a track in GP4 (i know there is one, but not anticlockwise)

[@BurnBot_TV]

@@xcmledder3420 probably, i dont remember now

[@seananthony9664]

I think it'd be a track the drivers enjoy, like suzuka, but I can't see it being a fun race to watch - appears to be very little overtaking oppertunity. Be fun to see them go there once though

[@sp0nge1337]

Dunno about overtaking being sparse, a lot of the corners are sweepers, a lot of drivers would try and keep their nose in through them and go ham.

[@seananthony9664]

@@sp0nge1337 with current regs leading to dirty air, you'd loss too much downforce and cook the tyres trying to follow through them

[@casualxxgamerxx9662]

@@sp0nge1337 Sweeping corners and chicanes are what ruin tracks. Paul Ricard, Silverstone, Barcelona and Hungaroring are the worst tracks on the calendar. Chicanes just ruin racing might as well have speed bumps. As to following in a swooping corner, the F1 cars have roughly 40% less downforce in dirty air so again, no.

[@DieToteHose93]

im pretty sure nobody liked the track in f1 when they did go there, thats why it was an one off (could be wrong)

[@seananthony9664]

@@DieToteHose93 was in the 60s with a different layout and different cars, I doubt that factors into the decision too much

[@MrTomWaffles]

People saying PR is't that bad now, the only reason the race was good was the random tyre deg and because RB and Merc are so close, any track would look decent this season with how close the title fight is

[@3Dsjk]

Grand Prix Legends came with a book the explained their reasoning behind choosing the 1967 season, the differences between the cars, and that they replaced Le Mans with Rouen-Les-Essarts because nobody liked the Le Mans layout.

[@terjehelle]

No need to replace PR, now when there is actually a physical penalty, if they go outside the turn. It makes for some good racing now.

[@mihajlovucinic011]

Track is the same as it was in 2019

[@adamleblanc5294]

@@mihajlovucinic011 They reprofiled a bunch of the corners. Added more camber to make is easier to pass.

[@downnice95]

@@adamleblanc5294 still a trash track compared to Magny Cours

[@xBanki]

@@downnice95 I feel like modern Magny Cours has the same problem with these cars, which is why I don't really mind PR after some of the upgrades they did. And, speaking from a """drivers""" perspective, flying around Paul Ricard in an F1 car is really really fun. A driver's track.

[@nofxceghxst9192]

I'm convinced F1 fans don't like anything unless it's old or the Sakhir gp on a loop

[@casualxxgamerxx9662]

The fan and driver favourite circuits tend to stay such as Monaco, Spa and Suzuka because they are good. New ones get criticized because they aren't good.

[@F1jones]

@@casualxxgamerxx9662 I've been watching F1 since 1978 and during that time Monaco has never been good. As to why people want to believe it is, refer to the OP's post about fear of change, which is the ultimate irony in a sport like F1.

[@casualxxgamerxx9662]

@@F1jones if you've watched since 1978 then 1996 must've been entertaining? Besides, that's the hardest track on the calendar and the one race that winning means more than any other race (save for a title decider).

[@heliumtrophy]

Pretty much or they don't like street circuits at all or this and that and anyone who doesn't conform to their way of thinking is ripe to sling a few insults their way, it's nauseatingly petty. I will say that the way the FIA have tied themselves in knots over how a circuit should be has made for some characterless races....so that's where everyone channels their energies.

[@F1jones]

@@casualxxgamerxx9662 one race out of 43 (I'll even throw in 1982) or two per century at that rate doesn't equal a very good entertainment ratio or justify a circuit that can't handle these cars and let them actually show off what they're for. Moreover, most of the "excitement" from that race was due to engines blowing up rather than any actual racing. A surprise result != a good race, so no, 1996 doesn't make up for the garbage that is Monaco. Bottom line, if I'd never seen F1 and someone told me Monaco was a "Crown Jewel" of the sport I'd tell them their sport must be a joke. It's a black eye.

[@LupusAries]

It's a good track for slower cars like TCRs, Ginetta Juniors, Formula Vee, MX-5s, Minis and Caterhams, but anything past a GT4 is highly suss imho.

[@simoneburini4036]

Le Mans Bugatti, Magny-Cours and Paul Ricard all have the same problems. At this point, I would try to update Dijon-Prenois.

[@francoisg3500]

I’ve been to Dijon it’s a fantastic circuit although it would need a lot of work to get it up to grade 1 FIA spec.

[@andyenderby2305]

Dijon is cool as it is. Please don't wreck it for 1 meeting a year. Also... Bugatti circuit....???? Nom de Dieu... Non!

[@musyarofah1]

or just renovate clermont-ferrand

[@gabem.5242]

@Aidan Millward F1 Already tried it in 1967, the French GP was held at the Bugatti Circuit. It was the only season they've raced there because the track was seen as boring by drivers and attendees (only 20'000 on the projected 60'000). Drivers also claimed that, if they were to drive in a parking lot (which the Bugatti was) they wouldn't drive at all there for another season. Driving there again with cars twice as big and heavy, with chicanes all over the place and a starting grid where the last cars can't see the lights is a recipe for a surefire disaster.

[@RosyMiranto]

As far as i remember, Bugatti Circuit raced in F1 once decades ago and from what i heard it's not a good idea

[@zavodszkiabel7919]

The 1967 French GP was held there, most if not all of the drivers disliked the track.

[@andyenderby2305]

@@zavodszkiabel7919 Back then Rheims and Clermont Ferrand were on the menu... Both are better.

[@MsZeeZed]

2021 is suggests its the ability of cars to close run not ‘bad’ circuits* that’s the issue. 2022 regs can’t come soon enough. *(Magny-cours has always been boring)

[@TERZERA24]

Boring to watch but it’s my favorite to drive on

[@brett3612]

agreed, its more about the cars not the track (with the exception of monoco). even spain was mildly interesting this season despite little to no overtakes. I do think tracks have a big effect on the amount of passes/ overall quality of the race of course, but the cars have an even bigger effect imo.

[@heliumtrophy]

As I was called a "typical Crashtappen Dutchie fangirl," I know I'd enjoy the strategic races on this track a lot.

[@daninagy4173]

I like the elevation changes. As well as your Williams shirt.

[@RobertGracie]

I know probably all the Formula 1 drivers would LOVE to run the full Circuit De La Sarthe, imagine racing down the Mulsanne at 220mph battling wheel to wheel for 22 laps but sadly that wont happen :(

[@dani02_mmd]

With some money they could maybe cut through the forest a bit. Drive Mulsanne partially, cut to the right through the forest, than rejoin before the Porsche curves and finish the lap.

[@edgiestofcars]

@@dani02_mmd that would still be very cool

[@MisterMister5893]

30 lap race. Or teams will run out of fuel.

[@LegitimateCK4120]

Sadly the Mulsanne straight is split with 2 chicanes now, so they'll only race at full speed briefly. Would be amazing as a one off but it'll probably never happen

[@litreocola6447]

0:38 only of the THREE RACES held there since its return. Other tracks have been worse, and the layout although tedious in some places gives some unique racing. People complain about overtakes being done only at the end of long straights into a hard braking zone, yet one of the ONLY tracks on the calendar which gives you reliable overtaking done at non-drs corners such as signes and le beaussett is panned. The track needs a faster first sector, that’s it.

[@scullystie4389]

I like the idea of your fly by of the circuit, I think you should do it again for future videos like this, but I recommend setting the waypoints so you're not having corners cropped out of the shot. The way the camera panned through turns 4, 5, and 6, we got a better look at the service road and marshall stands than the track. Otherwise, nice job!

[@AidanMillward]

I've done it in most of the videos in this series, starting with Magny Cours

[@girlwithaguitar24]

I've always maintained that an in-between should be built at Le Mans. A track. that uses part of but not all of the 24hr circuit, but also isn't just the MotoGP layout either. Perhaps go halfway down the Mulsane before the first chicane, turn right and connect it back up in the last sector?

[@aydankhaliq2967]

You know there are houses there.

[@mrbungle3310]

i discovered this track on PC2 ,and i pretty much love it,slower open wheel racing or GT is pretty fun here

[@alexeimscruz2893]

It's not bad at all in fact imagine the iconicness of the Le Sarthe pit straight used by the 24hrs race with F1 cars barrelling through... It would be a good addition to Spa Monaco & Silverstone as heritage race tracks unlike those Tilke boreadromes

[@F1jones]

GP Legends omitted this track because it was so poorly received in 1967. If that were the case, it couldn't be better in 2021.

[@haryosoo]

Le Mans Bugatti is a circuit more suited for motorcycle racing. If you watch MotoGP, almost all of the corners on this track are possible overtaking spots. Now this makes me wonder if Brno in Czech will make a good venue for an F1 race just for a comparison (both Le Mans and Brno are great MotoGP race tracks IMO)

[@samspencerRS]

Your idea of the old flat-out area rather than the fast esses is a solid idea. You should try and see if F1 could handle Bathurst (pretty obviously not, but would be fun as anything)

[@northman77]

Really nice track! It was in one of the good Forza motorsport. I will download this asap...

[@SPCleaver]

Hmmmmmm great video Aidan, I'd never heard of this "Bugatti" version of the circuit, but having seen this video I agree with you, it does NOT suit F1 racing at all it would be a lot better (I think) if it were possible to follow the Le Mans circuit from the start to the 1st chicane then turn back towards this "infield" section somehow, but .... in it's current configuration ..... NO !!

[@dyingearth]

Odd you didn't do a reaction video to this year's French Grand Prix.

[@roadhog29389]

Val de Vienne would probably work. Personally, Dream choice would be to put money into Charade

[@JimmyTurboMods]

Charade looks like an awesome track!

[@Trendyflute]

I'm thinking it's like Hungaroring but even tighter.

[@stupidassol]

Damn those graphics! So much better than my Atari 2600 rig (soon to be PS1 upgrade rig)

[@MihzvolWuriar]

I've been saying exactly this since the beginning of the year, and I also agree that the back straight should return to the old format, and I really like the result.

[@blankfiile]

they just need to cut out the mistral chicane, would make for vastly different setups. do you go for the long long straight or the rest of the track

[@casualxxgamerxx9662]

I would say modifying the corner after that to be a heavy on the brakes right hander instead of its current form. I mean let's just copy Baku main straight on all tracks then 😬

[@sp33d4l0l]

If you're doing MotoGP tracks I'd love to see you give Assen a shot. Supposedly there were talks of F1 going there instead of Zandvoort for a bit but that plan fell through and DTM went instead.

[@kylelewis4685]

All I can say to this idea is a big stone cold HELL YEAH!

[@discodavid26]

If f1 went to Le Mans I would want to run the full 24 hour track…… personally I think the f1 rules on track length is too “narrow “ and has less variety then indycar tracks (both with and without ovals) …I know after the 1976 German Grand Prix long tracks we no longer considered safe as hard to get enough marshals to any accident quickly etc etc. But at 8-9km and bringing in a few extra experienced marshals from over the border from British/German/ Belgium gp’s to help out the french marshals plus adding a “parking “ area for a 2nd safety car at the furthest point away from the pit straight … I don’t see the problem with the full circuit if safety barriers are up to scratch etc etc.

[@ZinhoLabs]

Personally, I would love to see F1 racing at 24hr layout. Just schedule F1 weekend week before or after 24hr event. Come to think of it, super-low downforce track is only Monza. And I LOVE super-low downforce configs.

[@SiVlog1989]

The problem with the Bugatti Circuit, is not really the length so much, more how narrow most of the track is. Based on the layout here, the only logical place to overtake is along the pit straight and into the first chicane

[@sp0nge1337]

For me, it's just that 4-7 complex at Paul Ricard that's mickey mouse. The rest is pretty solid, especially Le Beausset, genuinely like that corner.

[@andrewcarter1747]

Not really surprised. Admitedly the only time I've "driven" this track is on old PS1/2 games but even in GT cars it always came across as bein very stop start with medium length straights into tight corners. The corners aren't quite as tight these days but it still wouldn't provide good racing.

[@smokincrater]

Graham Hill described the track as a Mickey Mouse circuit. Enough said.

[@mannacler]

Graham Hill was right. I've seen go-cart tracks that were more interesting.

[@mr_obst3077]

for non english native speakers it'd be great if you could subtitle what you say on the fast laps. Listening to the combo of your regional accent and your voice normally just takes a little more concentration, but with the screaming engine noise in the mix i find myself rewinding a couple of times to get what you're actually saying. :) cool series though.

[@minibus9]

great video

[@regibson23]

God no. The last thing F1 needs is another short twisty track.

[@nightdriver7216]

I like the track. And, though not close to the real thing, you can have a taste of what it'd be like by driving the Lotus-Renault in the recent Forza Motorsport games. The track is very narrow for current F1 standards, though.

[@houseking9211]

forza at least has good track models because of how much money they have, sad that the physics are a bit meh though

[@ethanwhisman5459]

Controversial opinion I know I don't think the tracks are the problem First big problem the fia Themselves are the biggest problem in Motorsports Controversial opinion number 2 the cars themselves I think they should look more like an Indy car or a formula e car Just in shape and size This one may not be a controversial opinions I think it would help get this sport on a path if we had some spec parts like IndyCar NASCAR going to And I look more front wings and rear wings as that Personal opinion if everybody has to run the same Wing they can no longer blame the arrow I don't think the whole car needs to be spec I just think some places in there should be spec These are my pants I never blame the racetrack because it's not the racetrac's fault Just thought of another controversial opinion The tire supplier this is really really goes to any racing series but I think they don't help the racing But truly the biggest problem in F1 is dirty air and unless you eliminate some of the arrow dependent stuff of a race car that's never going to go away because fact race cars are very a dependent in the modern era of racing I should know I have experienced it it's just like years ago I can't remember what series that I know it was a Open wheel service you could tell just by little little adjustments you can make on the arrow parts the better the car would be These are the major issues I think it F1 needs to tackle I never blame the racetrack because it's not the racetrack's fault it's literally It's like yes American terms going to an American race track named Darlington yes I know it's a noble so shocking but it's one of the best ovals in North America To go fast at this race track you have to run the wall is it the race tracks fault that you push the limits and got into the wall or is it your fault I think in modern F1 there needs to be some responsibility that we have kind of force this on ourselves I hope that's a way I view modern racing this way it's never going to be as good I think these are the key issues that need to be fixed in F1 to get the fan base to quit complaining so much will the people who run the sport ever listen to someone like me no

[@romiarkan450]

WTF1 is the main contributor to the Paul Ricard bashing. Blame them for skewing fans' perception.

[@DjDolHaus86]

Looks like a fun track to drive but far too short and nowhere to overtake

[@TheNFSJacob]

Reminds me of a flat Barcelona.

[@luk_testa4911]

I think this track works better backwards in an f1 car

[@csonkaperdido]

BRING BACK MAGNY COURS... With some moderate adjustments in layout and width to promote overtaking.

[@dereismann8673]

I'd like to see if F1 could handle classic Estoril 🤔 F1 used to test there a lot back in the 90s

[@jax4113]

where did you get the shirt from?

[@TheKiwijord]

I don’t think this would be much better than Paul ricard. The medium speed corners create a lot of dirty air

[@turbod1]

F1 can't have that image of being at le mans

[@williamross2579]

Am I right that they might go to Finland in a few seasons?

[@cancracker]

Why change a track with another if nothing particular is that different? But they could alternate like Hockenheim and Nürburgring did for a while just for the change in scenery.

[@cd9759]

Mans wearing racing boots 😭😭

[@jamesbraun9842]

The Moto GP uses this track

[@rikordosennin]

Aidan can you try the other french circuit Dijon?

[@w0033944]

+1

[@Evilpengwinz78]

I was going to suggest Dijon-Prenois, and I've been saying this to friends for the last couple of weeks when the subject of "better tracks than Paul Ricard for a French GP" comes up. If it got upgraded to FIA grade 1, I think it'd be the best option tbh. Similar laptimes to the Bahrain outer layout, probably similar in average speed, and the braking zone for VIlleroy (Turn 1) would probably give plenty of overtaking opportunity; It'd probably be 3rd or 4th gear, but the long sweeping final corner would be flat and the pit straight would mean the cars are braking from around 200mph. It'd definitely produce overtaking, especially with DRS. I guess you could also extend the straights before and after Parabolique (The uphill double right hander, I think it's turns 5 and 6 officially?), to produce a longer lap and another overtaking zone, but I don't think it'd even be necessary.

[@TheJosu145]

I'll chose another layout for Paul Ricard, the F1 uses the worst track layout in track with multiples ones, but i prefer Magny-cours.

[@dylanzrim3635]

I’ve got a track layout drawn out that would be perfect for F1 that’s even got a bit of the mulsanne in it. If i can meet up with a decent modder I’d show it to them.

[@radspeed113]

Should go to r/rtd and show it off

[@dylanzrim3635]

@@radspeed113 it’s far from being shown off, but now that I know where to go I’ll set something up and post it

[@NATM462]

Yeah I thought this could work but I forget how much downforce these cars have lol

[@icewhitegames6875]

AM please try Magny Cours w current cars next vid.

[@AidanMillward]

Already did it.

[@scottster8858]

Why not do the full track? there's be plenty opportunity for overtaking.

[@THEMILKMAN-cb2ud]

OMG…. Nooooo! Come on there are much better options than the Bugatti debacle. Take out the unimaginable chicane at Paul Ricard ,change the 1-5 corners to a section of connected balanced corners which flows better into turn 6. Or! Go back to Dijon-Prenois update the facilities and maybe add if possible a flowing section through the trees at Parabolique.

[@rsoulinternet]

The Bugatti layout is awful. It's like when someone buys a car without the options so the dashboard has loads of conspicuous blank panels which scream "you could have had something better if you were better". This layout says "you're at Le Mans but you're not good enough for Le Mans. Here, you just have a play on the infield but try not to enjoy it".

[@vatsaldvora]

When is the next podcast coming??

[@valter_vava74]

It's an awkward track. And they would be lapping traffic after 15 laps and as lapped traffic just has to shove off, it would be a lot of slow, tucked to the side traffic.

[@HeHasNoName]

I bet this would suck like a Brabham BT46B

[@mjk06]

Apart from turn 1. There'd be nowhere to pass here.

[@johnduncan5117]

Couple of nice corners but finicky, no thanks :)

[@brenthalliwell1702]

Would be a good track for formula e.

[@Kreeschon]

didn't they run the Bugatti circuit in the 50's and the drivers said it was a shit track so they never did it again?

[@Frostfly]

Be a fun Formula E track

[@gokartbob6478]

Use the Brake magic.. lol

[@snapsoundsss]

Why do you drive the 2020 car not 2021?

[@AidanMillward]

Purely because I know this car and don’t have the time to learn the ins and outs of the new one. Plus it’s better to keep the same car through the series.

[@snapsoundsss]

@@AidanMillward oh cool i was gonna say if u didnt have the new one i could give u it

[@MurphysLawNZ]

Please dont... they would ruin Bugatti circuit. in my opinion isn't a great track cars but it's a fantastic for bikes. They would ruin it trying to make it good for formula 1

[@Speedworx]

France doesn't have any good F1 spec tracks, IMO. Racing was boring at Magny Cours. It's generally boring at Paul Ricard.

[@markmatthews7202]

Anyone saying that PR makes for some good racing now is, well wrong. 2018 and 2019 was, shit. 2021 was the only good one and then again that was down to strategy and one overtake, not a proper battle.

[@Lokireloaded]

You misspelled Monaco.

[@thecodex0994]

The subtitles do not like the French language it couldn't handle the track names, also surly ocon and alpine would have been more French?

[@fryguyclipz8031]

U shouldn't use the 2020 hybrid to test the track because if they were to replace they would race the 2022 cars maybe try something with less aero grip

[@Linnea-nb2jh]

F1's piss stained hands need to be kept away from motorcycle circuits. High-downforce superfast cars shouldn't run on motorcycle circuits, since they ripple the tarmac in the braking zones, and Le Mans is plenty dangerous as it is already. Scrap the French GP altogether, and shove Long Beach into the calendar instead.

[@AidanMillward]

And motorbikes are the reason that modern race tracks are all tarmac car parks instead of gravel traps.

[@AmsterdamHeavy]

Just No.

[@jacekatalakis8316]

They ran here in 1967. It...sucked royally. Bugatti track's good for MotoGP racing, really...

[@Evilpengwinz78]

Yeah, the Bugatti circuit is far too narrow for modern F1, plus corners fast enough for dirty air to have a major impact and relatively short straights would spread cars out far too much for passing to be possible. Even with DRS on the pit straight, I don't think there'd be any overtaking into the first chicane.

[@jacekatalakis8316]

@@Evilpengwinz78 And yet...Euro NASCAR puts on entertaining races there. MotoGP, both are not as aero dependent. So in short....yeah you're right. F1 would be entirely too aero dependent for the Bugatti track.

[@rodrigodepierola]

It's a boring circuit even for MotoGP, for F1 it would be terrible. Nice test track, terrible racetrack.

[@bryanwilmot]

Why Le Mans Bugatti sucks