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JEAN ALESI REUNITED WITH THE FERRARI FROM HISVICTORY AT THE 1995 CANADIAN F1 GP


The KENNOL Grand Prix de France Historique made a big impact last year, with a record attendance of 106,000 spectators and the presence of numerous motorsport personalities. This will be the case again on May 8th, 9th, and 10th, with several Formula 1 drivers – some still active – having already confirmed their attendance at the Circuit Paul Ricard. The first to reveal his identity is none other than the circuit's president : Jean Alesi… And the Avignon native won't be coming empty-handed !



© The Girardo & Co. Archive


EMOTIONS IN PERSPECTIVE


While the announcement of his participation in the KENNOL Grand Prix de France Historique was no surprise, seeing the president of the Circuit Paul Ricard back in the Ferrari 412 T2 certainly was. This car is none other than the most significant of his career, the one that allowed him to win the 1995 Canadian Grand Prix. This moment remains iconic in F1 history, representing Jean Alesi's only victory out of his 32 podium finishes and 201 starts.


The Ferrari 412 T2 remains one of the most beautiful single-seaters of its era, distinguished from its contemporaries by its plunging nose, far more elegant than the raised noses typical of the 1990s. Designed in England – sacrilege! – by John Barnard, it innovated with the presence of a clutch lever located behind the steering wheel, a system intended to give the driver more sensitivity during starts... Jean Alesi never used it in races! He always preferred the good old pedal and his lightning starts proved him right.


The Ferrari 412 T2 remains in history as the last Formula 1 car, across all manufacturers, powered by a V12: the 3-liter Tipo 044. A marvel of engineering, capable of producing 720 hp at 14,500 rpm. Enough to thrill the grandstands at the KENNOL Grand Prix de France Historique !


Jean Alesi, President of Circuit Paul Ricard: “ I’m eager to get back behind the wheel of the Ferrari 412 T2, the best F1 car I’ve ever had the privilege of driving. It was fast and reliable, but unfortunately fragile. People remember my victory in Montreal in 1995, but they often forget that I was also in contention for the win in Barcelona, Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps, Monza, and Suzuka. In fact, the 1995 Japanese Grand Prix remains probably the best race of my career. It had a rough start, though, as I was penalized with a stop-and-go penalty for jumping the start due to the downhill straight. Furious at this unfair decision, I went back out with a vengeance and got right on the tail of Michael Schumacher’s Benetton in just six laps before the differential broke. This car holds a special place in my heart as a tifosi. ”


BREAKING NEWS: ESTEBAN OCON PRESENTS FOR THE FIRST TIME !


Esteban Ocon will participate for the first time in the KENNOL Grand Prix de France Historique. The French driver, who will drive for the Haas F1 Team in 2026, will take to the track on Saturday, May 9th, as part of the Fast & Famous demonstration.


CONTACT MEDIA

 

The KENNOL Grand Prix de France Historique is the only event in France to offer genuine Formula 1 races. Founded in 2017 by HVM Racing with the support of the French Federation of Motorsport (FFSA), it has been co-organized with the Circuit Paul Ricard since 2023. Each year, nearly 225 racing cars, including more than 60 iconic Formula 1 cars from the 1970s to 2010, take part in the event. The 2025 edition welcomed over 106,000 visitors representing 21 nationalities, confirming its appeal and prestige.

 
 
 

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