Circuit de Carpentras – Guide Complet

Carpentras Circuit – Complete Guide

All the information, settings and tips to perform on the Comtat Venaissin track

1. General Information

Name : Saint-Ponchon Circuit (Carpentras Karting)
Address : 1 Chemin de Saint-Ponchon, 84200 Carpentras, France.
Length : 1010 meters | Average width: 7.5 m
Access : Reserved for FFSA licensees – no leisure rentals.
Club: ASK Comtat Venaissin
Official website: karting-carpentras.com

History & Driving Style

The circuit, located in the heart of the Saint-Ponchon racecourse, is a benchmark in the South for Rotax, KZ, and Minime/Cadet drivers. It combines fast, banked corners with technical sections that demand precision and consistency. The layout emphasizes **fluidity** and **lateral grip management**, while also requiring excellent track reading skills.

2. Rules & Security

  • Full fairings and bumpers are mandatory (FFSA regulations).
  • Silencer and intake filter compliant with noise standards.
  • Technical inspection is required before driving sessions.
  • Wearing a CMR/CMS approved helmet and cervical collar is mandatory for young people.
Trick : Always check the club's internal regulations before arriving – updates often occur before each season.

3. Tire & Adjustment Guide

Recommended pressures (cold)

Brand / Type Pressure (bar) Terms
MOJO D5 0.60 Rotax base – good grip, heats up quickly
VEGA XH3 (Green) 0.56 Very stable on rubberized surfaces
VEGA M1 (Yellow) 0.85 – 1.00 Soft tire – ideal for cool weather
LeCont Prime / SVB 0.70 – 1.00 Good durability – progressive grip
MG Yellow / SM 0.55 – 0.70 Widely used in KZ – beware of overheating

Rain pressures

Increase the base values ​​by +0.10 to +0.20 bar to prevent aquaplaning and facilitate warm-up. Example: MOJO D5 → 0.70 to 0.75 bar when cold in heavy rain.

Advanced tips

  • Ideal tire temperature: between 55°C and 70°C depending on the tire compound.
  • Front/rear difference: approximately +0.05 bar at the front for braking stability.
  • Use a 3-point pyrometer (inside, center, outside) to balance your chassis.
Quick read: If your tire is "greasy" or deteriorating on the outside, slightly lower the pressure (-0.05 bar) or open the rear track.

4. Chassis & Transmission Settings

  • Front lane: Large = more stable, but less incisive on entry.
  • Rear track: Narrower = better traction, but can make the kart more responsive.
  • Camber: Slight negative for dry conditions, more neutral in the rain.
  • Front bar: Remove it for more grip in cold conditions.
  • Carburetor pressure (Rotax): Adjust your nozzle according to temperature and altitude (~90 m in Carpentras).
Carpentras Council: It's a fast track with long corners. A stiff chassis and slightly lower tire pressure than usual are recommended to avoid overheating on the right rear.

5. Weather conditions & influence on settings

  • Cool morning: More mechanical grip, slightly lower the pressures.
  • Hot afternoon: Soft rubber overheats quickly → prefer harder rubber.
  • Track erased: increases chassis rigidity and brakes a little later.
  • Strong wind: It can alter the braking points; remember to test the pressures when hot.

6. Practical information for pilots

License: FFSA mandatory
Paddock opening: usually from 8:30 am
Essence : SP98 recommended
Average temperatures: 10°C in winter / 35°C in summer
Surface : abrasive asphalt with good drainage
Clubhouse: present on site – snack bar and terrace

7. Useful Resources

Back to blog

Leave a comment