Circuit Paul Ricard - The French motorsport track was constructed in 1969 in Le Castellet near Marseille, with finance from pastis' owner Paul Ricard and expert advice of the French F1 drivers Henri Pescarolo and Jean-Pierre Beltoise. Opening on 19 April 1970 with a 2-litre sportscar race which was won by Brian Redman [UK], the circuit Paul Ricard quickly replaced the fading Clermont-Ferrand and Rouen tracks as the premier venue for French motorsport. Within short order, it had secured the French Grand Prix, hosting it from 1971 for 14 years.