French GP: Sebastian Vettel intrigued to see how new F1 cars tackle Paul Ricard

Sebastian Vettel is looking forward to seeing how the new-era Formula 1 cars take on the twisting nature of Circuit Paul Ricard this weekend.

The sport is back in France as the second half of the season gets underway and it looks set to be a very warm weekend in the south of the country.

Vettel will hope to keep his cool in such conditions, then, whilst also aiming to try and climb the field after a difficult result in his Aston Martin last time out in Austria.

Speaking ahead of the weekend, he said:

“Paul Ricard’s high-speed corners should gain an added dimension with these ground-effect cars, and the lower-speed corners will provide a challenge for everybody.

“The previous weekends have not always been kind to us for one reason or another, so it would be nice to pick up some momentum before the summer break. Finally, I am passionate about the history of the sport, so it will be really special to drive one of Aston Martin’s original 1922 Grand Prix cars this weekend.”

This may well be the last time F1 visits Paul Ricard for at least a while with the track and the sport so far failing to agree a contract over a renewal.

It remains to be seen if the French Grand Prix as an event in general remains, too, with no new venue really coming to the fore for 2023.

All the drivers will be eager to potentially bid farewell to the circuit with a positive result, then – Vettel included.