what course is a le mans race

by Bertram Douglas 10 min read

Circuit de la Sarthe

What is the Le Mans race?

The 24 Hours of Le Mans, created in 1923, provides a circuit of 13.629 km including the Bugatti circuit and main roads open to the public all year round. 1 La Chapelle Descent. 2 Forest S-Bend. 3 Tertre Rouge Bend. 4 Mulsanne Straight.

Where is the Le Mans circuit?

Le Mans Circuit. Located south of the city, on the road to Tours, the 24 Hours circuit has changed since its creation in 1923. The origin of this circuit is closely related to the Grand Prix of France, which took place in the Sarthe in 1906 . This endurance race took place over two days and in a larger route connecting the following towns: Le ...

Where is the 24 hours of Le Mans held?

Aug 23, 2021 · The 24 Hours of Le Mans is auto racing's Boston Marathon, a brutal test of endurance where competitors race stunningly fast cars for 24 straight hours at speeds that can exceed 200 mph on the ...

How many classes are there in Le Mans?

Nov 15, 2021 · As one of the biggest competitions in endurance racing, the 24 H Le Mans traditionally takes place in June each year in Le Mans, France. The race sees approximately sixty cars on the track, each team competing to prove the endurance of their drivers, each manufacturer competing to show off the advancement of their vehicle technology, and each …

What classes race in Le Mans?

There are four categories at Le Mans, corresponding to three types of car. The categories are LMP1 (Le Mans Prototype 1), LMP2 (Le Mans Prototype 2), GTE PRO (Gran Turismo Endurance Professional) and GTE AM (Gran Turismo Endurance Amateur).

How long is the course at Le Mans?

roughly 8.5 milesThe racing circuit is roughly 8.5 miles (13.6 km) long, and the race is run in June, on one of the shortest nights of the year. Le Mans is one of the eight races that compose the International Automobile Federation (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile; FIA) World Endurance Championship.

What is the difference between Grand Prix and Le Mans?

A Formula One race usually lasts about an hour and a half, and regulations limit the races to two hours. Le Mans, of course, lasts 24. A Formula One car, built to last the length of a Grand Prix, would never survive the full day at Le Mans.Jun 13, 2008

Why do they run at Le Mans?

A Le Mans-style start was used for many years in various types of motor racing. When the start flag dropped, drivers had to run across the track to their cars which were parked on the other side, climb in, start the car, and drive away to begin the race.

Do Le Mans drivers pee?

Another is urine. “Pretty much all of us had to pee during a stint,” says Turner, remembering Le Mans in 2005. “It sounds revolting but all you're peeing is water, because you're drinking so much and sweating so much. “The hardest thing was actually relaxing enough to get going,” he continues.Jun 16, 2016

Is Le Mans part of f1?

However, Le Mans has always had a stronger reputation than the World Championship and is a round of the FIA World Endurance Championship. The race is also known as a leg of the informal Triple Crown of Motorsport which links Formula One, IndyCar, and sports car racing to represent a career achievement for drivers.

Is LMP faster than F1?

Porsche's new 919 Hybrid Evo Le Mans Car is Faster than an F1 Car​ After retiring from the top tier of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) last year, Porsche have released their LMP1 car of any regulations and made it faster than an F1 car.

Which is faster F1 or Le Mans?

Hartley says that Formula 1 and LMP1 cars are both equally complex in terms of the technology that is used in the cars. He says, however, that despite the LMP1 car being noticeably faster under acceleration due to the 4-wheel drive system, the Formula 1 car is still the fastest racing car in the world.

What are Le Mans cars?

A Le Mans Prototype (LMP) is the type of sports prototype race car used in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, FIA World Endurance Championship, WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, European Le Mans Series and Asian Le Mans Series. Le Mans Prototypes were created by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO).

How much money do you get if you win the 24 Hours of Le Mans?

24 Hours of Le Mans Race 2021 Prize Money, Payout And Purse Every classified driver is awarded 7,000 eurors for marking their presence in the race whilst finishing first in every category sees the winning side get 10,000 euros.Aug 22, 2021

Is Ford vs Ferrari a true story?

Ford vs Ferrari is based on a true story and has been directed by James Mangold. The film is about a 24-hour long endurance race which took place in the Le Mans race in the year 1966.Jun 27, 2020

Do drivers sleep during Le Mans?

During the race, sleep is a luxury. Everyone is different when it comes to fatigue and recovery times can differ greatly. "In theory, you can get five hours sleep over the course of the race," says Paul-Loup Chatin. "Last year, I managed pretty well.Jun 12, 2019

Where is the Le Mans track?

The road racing track, which was a triangle from Le Mans down south to Mulsanne, northwest to Arnage, and back north to Le Mans, has undergone many modifications over the years, with CIRCUIT N°15 being in use since 2018.

What is Le Mans famous for?

Le Mans was most famous for its 6 km (3.7 mi) long straight, called Ligne Droite des Hunaudières, a part of the route départementale (for the Sarthe département) D338 (formerly Route Nationale N138 ).

How fast is the Sarthe circuit?

Even with the modifications put in place over the years, the Sarthe circuit is still known for being very fast, with prototype cars achieving average lap speeds in excess of 240 km/h (150 mph).

Where is the 24 Hours of Le Mans?

The Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans, also known as Circuit de la Sarthe (after the 1906 French Grand Prix triangle circuit) located in Le Mans, Sarthe , France, is a semi-permanent motorsport race course, chiefly known as the venue for the 24 Hours of Le Mans auto race. Comprising private, race-specific sections of track in addition to public roads which remain accessible most of the year, its present configuration is 13.626 kilometres (8.467 mi) long, making it one of the longest circuits in the world. The capacity of the race stadium, where the short Bugatti Circuit is situated, is 100,000. The Musée des 24 Heures du Mans is a motorsport museum located at the main entrance of the venue.

What is the Mulsanne Straight?

As the Hunaudières leads to the village of Mulsanne, it is often called the Mulsanne Straight in English, even though the proper Route du Mulsanne is the one from or to Arnage. After exiting the Tertre Rouge corner, cars spent almost half of the lap at full throttle, before braking for Mulsanne Corner.

How fast is Mulsanne?

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 (60 mph) for the sharp corner at the village of Mulsanne .

What was the first car to go 400 km/h?

Thus they nicknamed their 1988 entry "Project 400" (aiming to be the first car to achieve a speed of 400 km/h on the famous straight), although the official team entry was named WM Secateva.

What are the 24 hours of Le Mans?

The 24 Hours of Le Mans, created in 1923, provides a circuit of 13.629 km including the Bugatti circuit and main roads open to the public all year round. 1 La Chapelle Descent. 2 Forest S-Bend. 3 Tertre Rouge Bend. 4 Mulsanne Straight.

What is the 4 village?

Created in the 1950s and renovated in 2006, it is a meeting and relaxation point for spectators who enjoy restaurants and stores open here during sporting events. 5 Sports Module and pit stops. The control tower has all the necessary equipment for the race.

How many hectares are there in the Eiffel Tower?

In existence since 1950, it is the Eiffel Tower of the circuit. Located on the bend of the same name, from it you can see the 8,000 hectares of the circuit, explaining the name Panorama.

How long is the Le Mans 24 hour race?

Since its inception, the length of the plot (17.262 km) was gradually reduced to 13 629 km to provide optimal security related to technological change, especially as the cars approach the speed of 400 km / h on the Mulsanne Straight ... The famous Le Mans 24 Hours race is the major event of motor sport and the highlight of the FIA ​​World Endurance.

What is the Le Mans 24 Hours?

The famous Le Mans 24 Hours race is the major event of motor sport and the highlight of the FIA ​​World Endurance.

Where is the 24 Hours circuit?

Located south of the city, on the road to Tours, the 24 Hours circuit has changed since its creation in 1923. The origin of this circuit is closely related to the Grand Prix of France, which took place in the Sarthe in 1906 .

Who was the racer in Le Mans?

The danger and excitement of 1970s-era Le Mans competition was captured for the silver screen by racer/actor Steve McQueen in his movie Le Mans. And a recent tribute video of the Le Mans event brings McQueen's spare depiction up to date by evoking the romance that is the Le Mans 24 Hours. Here's a preview of what you'll see in the 2019 race.

When was Le Mans first run?

By Rich Ceppos. Jun 6, 2019. Getty Images. First run in 1923, the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans in France is the world's greatest sports-car race. On the famous Mulsanne straight, the fastest cars top 200 mph.

Why was Le Mans canceled?

Racing dynasties have flourished and faded across the 86 years the event has run—it was canceled for 10 years during World War II and in 1936 because of strikes across France.

What time does Le Mans start?

What time does it start? Coverage begins at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern time, with the race starting at 9:00 a.m. Ea stern time (3:00 p.m. local time) on Saturday, June 15. History, hellish events, and high speeds are the key ingredients that make the 24 Hours of Le Mans the world's greatest sports-car race.

How fast is Le Mans?

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is auto racing's Boston Marathon, a brutal test of endurance where competitors race stunningly fast cars for 24 straight hours at speeds that can exceed 200 mph on the fastest section of the incredibly long 8.5-mile Circuit de la Sarthe road course. The race is a punishing test that pushes driver ...

Who was Henry Ford's rival?

Henry Ford II's personal rivalry with Enzo Ferrari resulted in his company deciding to build the Ford GT40, which defeated Ferrari in four straight Le Mans races from 1966 through 1969. Porsche was the dominant force in the 1980s, and Audi prototypes notched an amazing 13 wins between 2000 and 2014.

How much horsepower does a Toyota LMP1 have?

The current rules encourage teams to race gasoline-electric hybrids, and last year's winning car, Toyota's TS050 LMP1, utilized that technology to make a claimed 986 horsepower. LMP2 cars are similar but less complex, are powered by conventional gasoline engines, and are not quite as fast as the LMP1s.

Plan and map of the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit - Musée ..

Track map 24 Hours of Le Mans Circuit The 24 Hours of Le Mans, created in 1923, provides a circuit of 13.629 km including the Bugatti circuit and main roads open to the public all year round.

Circuit Map - Le Mans Race

Le Mans off circuit map will help you find your way around the circuit and get setup on one of the Travel Destinations sites! To book call our experts on 01707 329988 Le Mans Race

Le Mans Circuit Map & Guide - Google My Maps

This map and guide gives you the locations of the campsites, grandstands, car parks, shops, tram stops and other useful information when going to the Le Mans 24 hour race. To get a better idea of ...

LeMans Race Course in Mulsanne, France (Google Maps)

LeMans Race Course (Google Maps ). Google car travelling North on the D338 which becomes part of the 24 Hours of LeMans race course each year. The chicane is closed off to traffic.

Le Mans 24h Google Map and Circuit Guide - Le Mans Race

Travel Destinations is an official agent for the Le Mans 24 Hours, Le Mans Classic, Nurburgring 24 Hours, Nurburgring Oldtimers Grand Prix and the Classic and Six hours race at Spa Classic. Travel Destinations have more than 15 years of experience and are fully bonded through ABTA and ATOL. See also www.lemansrace.com

24 Hours of Le Mans - Wikipedia

The 24 Hours of Le Mans (French: 24 Heures du Mans) is the world's oldest active sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since 1923 near the town of Le Mans, France. It is considered one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world and has been called the "Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency".

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps .

Who won the Le Mans race?

The Frenchmen André Lagache and René Léonard won with 128 laps and an average speed of 57 mph.

How long is the 24 Hours of Le Mans?

Add to Plan. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the most demanding automobile race in the world. Teams of three drivers battle to complete the most laps of the 8.47-mile Circuit de la Sarthe in one full day. Every June, it attracts hundreds of thousands of motorsport fans to the small town that lends the event its name.

What time does the pit walk start?

The day kicks off with the pit walk that starts at 10AM and finishes at 8PM. The cars and garages remain behind barriers but you won’t get any closer to them than this.

When is the autograph session in the hordes?

The main autograph session takes place on Tuesday before the hordes descend on the town. While you can spot famous faces from the past and present throughout the week, this is your best chance to grab them for a chat.

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Overview

The Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans, also known as Circuit de la Sarthe (after the 1906 French Grand Prix triangle circuit) located in Le Mans, Sarthe, France, is a semi-permanent motorsport race course, chiefly known as the venue for the 24 Hours of Le Mans auto race. Comprising private, race-specific sections of track in addition to public roads which remain accessible most of the year, its prese…

Track modifications

The road racing track, which was a triangle from Le Mans down south to Mulsanne, northwest to Arnage, and back north to Le Mans, has undergone many modifications over the years, with CIRCUIT N°15 being in use since 2018. Even with the modifications put in place over the years, the Sarthe circuit is still known for being very fast, with prototype cars achieving average lap speeds in …

Speed record

In 1988, Team WM Peugeot knew they had no chance of winning the 24-hour endurance race, but they also knew that their Welter Racing designed car had very good aerodynamics. Thus they nicknamed their 1988 entry "Project 400" (aiming to be the first car to achieve a speed of 400 km/h (250 mph) on the famous straight), although the official team entry was named WM Secateva.

Bugatti Circuit

Bugatti Circuit is a 4.185 km (2.600 mi) permanent race track located within Circuit des 24 Heures, constructed in 1965 and named after Ettore Bugatti. The circuit uses a part of the larger circuit and a separate, purpose-built section. The sections of track on the Bugatti Circuit that are on the Circuit des 24 Heures include the Ford Chicane at the end of the lap, the pit complex, and the straight where the Dunlop Tyresbridge is located. At this point in the overlapping section of t…

Events

Current
• April: FIM Endurance World Championship 24 Heures Motos, Sidecar World Championship, Fun Cup
• May: MotoGP French motorcycle Grand Prix, MotoE World Cup
• June: FIA World Endurance Championship 24 Hours of Le Mans, Michelin Le Mans Cup, Ligier European Series

Race results

The Le Mans race results in Bugatti and La Sarthe circuit.

Weather and climate

Météo France runs a weather station in Le Mans, which exhibits an oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb). With both the 24-hour races and the French MotoGP round being run before the peak of summer, high-profile races often have cool temperatures both in terms of ambient and track conditions with rainfall being a potential factor. Although nights cool off, sometimes into the single-digits, during the 24-hour car race, air frosts have never been recorded in June.

External links

• Official website
• RacingCircuits.info's history of Circuit de la Sarthe Archived 2016-12-08 at the Wayback Machine
• Trackpedia's guide to driving Le Mans
• Satellite Picture by Google Maps