JULY 20, 2002

Mosley visits Paul Ricard

THE President of the FIA Max Mosley visited the new Paul Ricard - High Tech Test Track at Le Castellet on Friday. The FIA President was beginning his summer holiday in Provence but stopped off for a look at the revamped circuit, now owned by Bernie Ecclestone's Excelis company.

Mosley flew into the new executive jet airport next to the circuit on the FIA jet and was then given a tour of the facility by Philippe Gurdjian, president of Excelis. The visit included lunch at the revamped Hotel du Castellet.

"This is much more impressive than anything I could have ever imagined," said the FIA President. "One truly has the feeling of entering into the future, where everything is guided by technology. With the work done on the Paul Ricard - High Tech Test Track, Philippe Gurdjian has reached the summit in terms of safety, logistics and technology."

"The medical center is extraordinary and the technology involved on the circuit is clearly beyond anything that currently exists. This test track will be an asset for the world of motor sports. With the construction of two hotels and the renovation of the airport at close proximity, the teams will definitely have everything necessary to carry out tests in the best conditions.

"This new tool will and must become THE reference and model for the motor sports race tracks in the world."