French Grand Prix 1982 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Renault delivered a dominant home victory at Paul Ricard with René Arnoux leading Alain Prost in a perfect 1-2 finish. The French manufacturer's turbocharged RE30Bs proved superior on the high-speed Mistral Straight, demonstrating the full potential of forced-induction engines when reliability cooperated. Arnoux's victory was his second of the season and kept him mathematically in championship contention, though Pironi remained the clear favorite.

Didier Pironi finished third, extending his points advantage despite not winning. The Ferrari driver needed only consistent finishes to secure the championship, with five races remaining and a comfortable cushion over his rivals. The French Grand Prix marked the final time Pironi would finish a race, as tragedy awaited just one week later at Hockenheim. Renault's form suggested they might finally convert their technical superiority into championship success, but reliability demons would continue to haunt them throughout the season's finale.