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French Grand Prix 2021: What time does the race start, what TV channel is it on and what are the odds?

Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (33) Aston Martin Red Bull Racing RB15 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of France at Circuit Paul Ricard on June 23, 2019 in Le Castellet, France - Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (33) Aston Martin Red Bull Racing RB15 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of France at Circuit Paul Ricard on June 23, 2019 in Le Castellet, France - Dan Istitene/Getty Images

From two street circuits to the archetypal test track, at the Circuit Paul Ricard in the south of France. Formula One returns to Paul Ricard after a year away, following its return to the track in 2018 – and indeed country – after a prolonged break. The last race there was dreadful, so let us hope for something a little more entertaining.

When is it?

First and second practice take place on Friday June 18 with final practice and qualifying on Saturday June 19. The French Grand Prix itself is on Sunday June 20.

What time does it start?

First practice on Friday starts at 10.30am BST with second practice at 2pm. Final practice on Saturday is at 11am. Qualifying (Saturday) and the race (Sunday) both start at 2pm.

What are the championship standings after six rounds?

Drivers' top 10:

Constructors':

What TV channel is it on?

Sky Sports F1 have near-exclusive live coverage rights in the UK this year and indeed for the next few with their usual excellent team. Their qualifying coverage begins at 1pm BST on Saturday and their race coverage at 12.30pm on Sunday.

Channel 4 have highlights for this year with their equally excellent team. Their qualifying program starts at 6pm and their extended race coverage highlights are at 6.30pm.

You can also keep up to date throughout qualifying and the race right here at Telegraph Sport.

What do we know about the Circuit Paul Ricard?

  • Circuit length: 5.842km

  • First grand prix: 1971

  • Laps: 53

  • Race distance: 309.69km

  • Race lap record: 1:32.740, Sebastian Vettel (2019)

  • 2019 winner: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes

  • Number of corners: 15

  • Overtaking chances: The prospects probably appear better than they actually are. The two races we've had at this track since F1 returned in 2018 have been pretty poor, all in all. DRS down the long back straight is the best chance but there was little jeopardy in it, which suggests a reduced DRS zone might be the best thing.

What are the latest odds?

  • Lewis Hamilton 6/5

  • Max Verstappen 11/8

  • Valtteri Bottas 8/1

  • Sergio Pérez 10/1

  • Lando Norris 25/1

  • Charles Leclerc 25/1

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