Leclerc excited the push the limits of Ferrari in France

Charles Leclerc says the French Grand prix will offer a chance to explore the limits of performance at Ferrari, with the Circuit Paul Ricard unlikely to bite back in the same way as other circuits. After the close walls and peril of Monaco and Canada recently, Le Castellet's vast run-off areas will drop the danger factor this week.

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were among those to hit the barriers in practice for the Canadian Grand Prix last time out, with consequences more severe for the Mercedes man.

Aside from contact with other cars, there is likely to be less pranged carbon fibre this weekend, as the barriers at Paul Ricard are situated a good distance from the track.

While it led to somewhat farcical amounts of exceeding track limits in the early stages of last year's race, Leclerc says it also gives drivers the chance to fully test their machines' capabilities.

"France – it's a pretty new track to me, strangely, as it is very close to my home," Leclerc said.

"I have some great memories from last year's event which was the first time that I was there. It was also the first time that I made it to Q3 in Formula 1, which is something that I will never forget.

"The track is quite atypical, with huge run-off areas. You can really push the limits in free practice without taking actual risks because the walls are quite far away.

"I really enjoy driving at Le Castellet and look forward to being back there."

Leclerc ended last year's race in 10th for Sauber.