Paul Ricard owner 'very impressed' with circuit development

Circuit Paul Ricard owner Slavica Ecclestone, an ex-wife of former Formula One owner Bernie Ecclestone, has revealed that she is "very impressed" with how the track has developed in preparations for the French Grand Prix this weekend - the first time the circuit has hosted F1 in 28 years.

The French GP has not been part of the F1 calendar for a decade, and in the immediate years before that it was held at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours.

Slavica is a 60-year-old former Croatian model and was married to Bernie Ecclestone for 24 years between 1985 and 2009, and reportedly received around £740 million in the divorce settlement with the F1 owner at the time.

She has praised the "unique" and "impressive" Paul Ricard circuit following a recent visit.

"I am very impressed with everything that has been done," she told France's Press Association.

"It's completely different and I'm very happy. It's unique and more impressive than other circuits.

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"I was very happy when I learned that they had decided to have a Grand Prix here. I have heard a lot about it from the news and from my advisors and friends in a very positive way."

For the visit to the track, Slavica was accompanied by former F1 driver Jean Alesi, who also expressed his excitement at the sport finally returning to France, and promised some "surprises" for the newer drivers.

"It's great that the French Grand Prix is back here," Alesi said.

"There are a lot of people who have not been here since the 90s. They will be very surprised."

Sebastian Vettel currently leads the F1 championship, just one point ahead of Lewis Hamilton, while Mercedes are currently top of the constructor rankings.