Even more French talent in Formula 1: Magali Bernard

France's presence in Formula 1 is growing stronger, with three drivers and the return of a national Grand Prix, but many French personalities have long been part of this exclusive sporting circle. Today, we talk to Magali Bernard, media manager at the Paul Ricard circuit, which will host the French Grand Prix from June 22 to 24.

As the roar of Formula 1 engines prepares to echo once again at Le Castellet, Magali Bernard is quietly pulling the strings of the media circus surrounding the long-awaited return of the French Grand Prix to Paul Ricard. Absent from the F1 calendar since 1991, the circuit is now preparing for what CEO Stéphane Clair describes as “the biggest event of the year,” and Magali Bernard's position as press officer and public relations manager places her at the heart of the excitement.

Every day, she responds to requests from journalists, provides photos, organizes interviews with circuit managers, and coordinates filming and photo shoots on site. Her path to this position began with a master's degree in marketing, followed by an internship that allowed her to discover the events, press, and VIP services. “I got to know the circuit inside out and met the people who make it work,” she recalls. Bernard's passion for motorsports has its roots in family outings with her father, who introduced her to regional rallies and took her to the Paul Ricard circuit for Renault's centenary in 1998. This firsthand experience on the track sparked a love for speed and engineering that has never left her. When asked about the challenges women face in a male-dominated sport, Bernard replies that she has never encountered any. “People are actually delighted to meet a woman who is a fan of cars and motorsports. Even when we take them for a spin on the karting track, the men play fair,” she says with a laugh. Although she now works at the highest level of motor racing, Bernard admits that her heart still beats for the classic events that have long defined Le Castellet. “I was drawn to the Blancpain GT Series, but over time I've grown to love historic gatherings like the Tour Auto and the Dix Mille Tours. Seeing the entire history of the automobile unfold on the track is a unique pleasure.”

For Bernard, Formula 1 represents “the best of the best”: a blend of cutting-edge engineering, elite driving talent, and some of the world's most beautiful circuits. Having grown up in the region, she sees the return of the Grand Prix as a homecoming she missed in her childhood. “It's important for the south of France to welcome F1 back,” she says, “and I'm proud to be part of that.” The prospect of seeing French drivers line up on home soil adds to the excitement. “Hearing the Marseillaise at Le Castellet would be incredible for our national heroes,” she notes, while remaining professionally impartial.

Her most vivid memories of motorsports combine personal participation with the thrills of spectating: a first karting experience on the very circuit she now promotes, her first visits to the Monaco Grand Prix when the engines were louder, and the palpable excitement of a paddock that once seemed much more accessible.

Through her daily coordination, Bernard ensures that when the lights go out at Paul Ricard, the world will witness not only a race, but also a celebration of French automotive heritage, modern engineering, and the people who bring the sport to life.