Drivers asked for chicane to be removed from Circuit Paul Ricard

A number of F1 drivers requested that the chicane after turn 10 on the Circuit Paul Ricard be removed ahead of the French Grand Prix amid concerns that we are in for a dull race with it in place and that a straight would allow more overtaking.

The Circuit Paul Ricard has rejoined the F1 calendar for the first time since 1990, meaning some of the younger team drivers are experiencing the track for the first time.

In yesterday's drivers it is understood that it was suggested the chicane be removed leading to a straight which would allow more overtaking opportunities and, therefore, a more exciting racing spectacle.

Brendon Hartley of Toro Rosso said: "I don't think it will happen for tomorrow, but I've tested and raced without the chicane.

"It makes things interesting because it's less downforce with the long straight line, Turn 10 becomes more of a corner, and so does the last sector with less downforce. Maybe it's a discussion point for next year. The good news is here there are plenty of options."

Sergio Perez echoed Hartley's sentiment and added that his main concern was creating something that the fans would enjoy, adding: "We asked Charlie [Whiting] about this to improve the overtaking, to improve the show, and make it more interesting.

"The best race we've had up to now this year has been in Baku, and all the tracks should be taking some direction from that. The circuit is challenging, it pushes the drivers for mistakes."

Changes cannot be made in time to impact either Saturday's qualifying or Sunday's race, but it is likely to be raised as a point of discussion for next year's race, but it remains to be seen whether we have an exciting Baku-like weekend, or similar to the attritional Canada Grand Prix won by Sebastian Vettel from start to finish.