Following the announcement earlier this week that Paul Ricard had secured a new five-year deal to host the race, the focus shifted to finalising the exact configuration that would be used for the event.

But despite the many layouts that are possible, it was decided that the only version that complied with the FIA Grade 1 requirements that all F1 tracks must have is the 5.842-kilometre version that features a chicane on the north side of the Mistral Straight.

The decision, which has been confirmed by Paul Ricard chiefs to Motorsport.com, will mean the old spectacle of cars arriving at top speed into the Signes right-hander will be no more.

The French GP was last held in 2008 at the Magny-Cours circuit near Nevers. Paul Ricard held 14 F1 races between 1971 and 1990.

Additional reporting by Basile Davoine