Circuit de la Sarthe
| Circuit de la Sarthe | |
|---|---|
Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans (2018–present) | |
| Location | Le Mans, Pays de la Loire, France |
| Coordinates | 47°56′N 0°14′E / 47.933°N 0.233°E |
| FIA Grade | 2 (Endurance) |
| Owner | Automobile Club de l'Ouest Ville du Mans |
| Operator | Automobile Club de l'Ouest |
| Opened | 26 May 1923 |
| Major events | Current: FIA WEC 24 Hours of Le Mans (1923–1935, 1937–1939, 1949–present) Le Mans Classic (intermittently 2002–2018, 2021–2023, 2025) Former: World Sportscar Championship (1953–1955, 1957–1974, 1980–1989, 1991–1992) |
| Website | http://www.lemans.org/en/ |
| Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans (2018–present) | |
| Surface | Tarmac |
| Length | 13.626 km (8.467 mi) |
| Turns | 38 |
| Race lap record | 3:17.297 ( Mike Conway, Toyota TS050 Hybrid, 2019, LMP1) |
| Circuit de la Sarthe (2007–2017) | |
| Surface | Tarmac |
| Length | 13.629 km (8.469 mi) |
| Turns | 38 |
| Race lap record | 3:17.475 ( André Lotterer, Audi R18, 2015, LMP1) |
| Circuit de la Sarthe (2002–2006) | |
| Surface | Tarmac |
| Length | 13.650 km (8.482 mi) |
| Turns | 38 |
| Race lap record | 3:31.211 ( Tom Kristensen, Audi R10 TDI, 2006, LMP1) |
| Circuit de la Sarthe (1997–2001) | |
| Surface | Tarmac |
| Length | 13.605 km (8.454 mi) |
| Turns | 36 |
| Race lap record | 3:35.032 ( Ukyo Katayama, Toyota GT-One, 1999, LMGTP) |
| Circuit de la Sarthe (1990–1996) | |
| Surface | Tarmac |
| Length | 13.600 km (8.451 mi) |
| Turns | 36 |
| Race lap record | 3:27.470 ( Eddie Irvine, Toyota TS010, 1993, Group C1) |
| Circuit de la Sarthe (1987–1989) | |
| Surface | Tarmac |
| Length | 13.535 km (8.410 mi) |
| Turns | 30 |
| Race lap record | 3:21.270 ( Alain Ferté, Jaguar XJR-9, 1989, Group C1) |
| Circuit de la Sarthe (1986) | |
| Surface | Tarmac |
| Length | 13.528 km (8.406 mi) |
| Turns | 28 |
| Race lap record | 3:23.300 ( Klaus Ludwig, Porsche 956B, 1986, Group C1) |
| Circuit de la Sarthe (1979–1985) | |
| Surface | Tarmac |
| Length | 13.626 km (8.467 mi) |
| Turns | 27 |
| Race lap record | 3:25.100 ( Jochen Mass, Porsche 962C, 1985, Group C1) |
| Circuit de la Sarthe (1972–1978) | |
| Surface | Tarmac |
| Length | 13.640 km (8.476 mi) |
| Turns | 26 |
| Race lap record | 3:34.200 ( Jean-Pierre Jabouille, Renault Alpine A443, 1978, Group 6) |
| Circuit de la Sarthe (1968–1971) | |
| Surface | Tarmac |
| Length | 13.469 km (8.369 mi) |
| Turns | 19 |
| Race lap record | 3:18.400 ( Jackie Oliver, Porsche 917L, 1971, Group 5) |
| Circuit de la Sarthe (1956–1967) | |
| Surface | Tarmac |
| Length | 13.461 km (8.364 mi) |
| Turns | 17 |
| Race lap record | 3:23.600 ( Mario Andretti/ Denny Hulme, Ford GT40 Mk IV, 1967, Group 4) |
| Circuit de la Sarthe (1932–1955) | |
| Surface | Tarmac |
| Length | 13.492 km (8.384 mi) |
| Turns | 17 |
| Race lap record | 4:06.600 ( Mike Hawthorn, Jaguar D-Type, 1955, Sports prototype) |
| Circuit de la Sarthe (1929–1931) | |
| Surface | Tarmac |
| Length | 16.340 km (10.153 mi) |
| Turns | 17 |
| Race lap record | 6:48.000 ( Henry Birkin, Bentley Blower, 1930, Sports prototype) |
| Circuit de la Sarthe (1923–1928) | |
| Surface | Tarmac |
| Length | 17.262 km (10.726 mi) |
| Turns | 16 |
| Race lap record | 8:07.000 ( Henry Birkin, Bentley 4½ Litre, 1928, Sports prototype) |
The Circuit de la Sarthe, known for its Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans variation after the 24 hours semi-permanent circuit, located in Le Mans, Sarthe, France, is a permanent auto sport circuit. Host of the 24 Hours of Le Mans auto race and widely known as the site of the 1955 Le Mans disaster, the most deadly event in motorsport history.
The track comprises a combination of private, race-specific sections of track in addition to public roads used only during the 24 Hours of Le Mans which remain accessible most of the year. Its present 24 hour configuration is 13.626 km (8.467 mi) long, making it one of the longest circuits in the world. The capacity of the permanent race track the short Bugatti Circuit is 100,000. The Musée des 24 Heures du Mans is a motorsport museum for the 24 hours of Le Mans located at the main entrance of the venue.
Up to 85% of the 24 hour circuit lap time is spent on full throttle, putting immense stress on engine and drivetrain components. Additionally, the times spent reaching maximum speed also mean tremendous wear on the brakes and suspension as cars must slow from over 322 km/h (200 mph) to around 100 km/h (62 mph) for the sharp corner at the village of Mulsanne.