The Masters Endurance Legends series to feature Le Mans prototypes

The new Masters Endurance Legends series is set to feature in two support races at the revived French Grand Prix at the Paul Ricard circuit in June with famous Le Mans prototypes and GT cars.

Masters Endurance Legends is a new series catering for Le Mans prototype and GT cars from 1995 – 2012 and will add the Formula 1 Grand Prix de France support race to its already-announced six-race programme for 2018, that includes races at Imola, Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Nürburgring, Spa and Dijon. The race at the revived French Grand Prix will include cars that starred at Le Mans, Daytona, Sebring and other classic endurance tracks in the world.

Well-known historic organiser Masters Historic Racing, who initiated the Masters Endurance Legends series, will be responsible for staging the support races.

The Paul Ricard circuit is known territory to many of the recent Le Mans prototypes and GTs, was previously been part of the ELMS and ISRS calendars. Today, the 4 Hours of Le Castellet is a permanent fixture on the ELMS calendar.

“I’m proud that in its first year Masters Endurance Legends will be able to showcase its spectacular variety during the Formula 1 Grand Prix de France weekend”, said Masters Historic Racing founder Ron Maydon. “The Paul Ricard circuit is perfect for these cars, as they will be able to really stretch their legs on the straight while the technical return section is a true challenge for any driver. Building on our experience in staging Historic Formula One support races at Grand Prix weekends, I’m sure we will put on a good show for the French crowd.”

“The French Grand Prix along with the Paul Ricard Circuit has a strong heritage in motorsport. Welcoming a historic cars competition as a support race on the week-end Formula 1 returns on French soil after a 10 year absence is a great news”, said Gilles Dufeigneux, General Director of the 2018 F1 French Grand Prix.

“Having the opportunity to see, smell and hear some of the most iconic and successful racing cars suits our programme perfectly. Indeed, these cars will not only be seen on stage but driven flat out and race against each other. With F1, F2, GP3 and now Masters Historic Racing on board, all is set to offer the spectators from all over France, Europe and beyond a great and varied show. During three days, emotions around past, present and future will be on schedule. Everybody at the French Grand Prix is excited to welcome these great series.”

The French Grand Prix will return to the Formula 1 calendar after an absence of ten years. In the seventies and eighties, Paul Ricard used to co-host the race, alternating with Dijon-Prénois, before the event switched to Magny-Cours in 1991. The last French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard took place in 1990 and was won by Alain Prost’s Ferrari 641/2.