In 100 words: Variety is the name of the game at Circuit Paul Ricard, which features an incredible 167 configurations ranging from 826 to 5861 metres in length. A venue for bike and car races, Paul Ricard also hosts rallies on occasion. Opening for business in 1970, the track closed for extensive redevelopment in 1999 before reopening as the Paul Ricard High Tech Test Track in 2002. Racing returned in 2009 and the Bol d’Or was back in 2015 following a lengthy stint at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours. Paul Ricard had hosted the French Formula One Grand Prix 17 times prior to 2022.

Fast facts:
*The Bol d’Or celebrates turning 100 in 2022 with the 85th running of one of the world’s most famous motorbike races.
*First held in 1922 on a five-kilometre circuit of dirt roads between Vaujours, Clichy-sous-Bois and Livry-Gargan, the event was originally more a question of survival than an out-and-out race with one rider per bike allowed and no stops except for refuelling.
*Tony Zind from Switzerland was the first winner riding a Motosacoche. He covered nearly 1246 kilometres at an average speed of 51.9kph and ate and drank while riding.
*This year’s edition – when three riders per bike are allowed – will be the 29th held at Circuit Paul Ricard with the first running taking place in 1979.
*While it’s planned as a 24-hour race, severe weather conditions led to the 2019 event being interrupted from 18h00-06h00.

Qualifying report

Report after eight hours

Report after 16 hours

Race report