Rivalling Indianapolis as the most famous racing circuit in the world, Le Mans can undoubtedly lay claim to the distinction of hosting the most famous race in the world. The 24 Heures Du Mans has been an annual institution since 1923, the only interuption being in 1936 (due to the poor state of the economy) and from 1940 to 1948 (World War 2).
Racing had been held in the Le Mans area by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) since 1906, but the familiar layout we see today derives from a 10.71 mile course from Pontlieue to Mulsanne and Arnage, first used in 1921.
The circuit rose to international prominence thanks to the 24 Hour race, the origins of which can be traced back to a letter recieved by Georges Durand, secretary of the ACO, on October 9, 1922. It was from Emille Coquille, director of the French subsidiary of Rudge Whitworth Wheels. Coquille offered 100,000 francs to help the ACO to organise a race - and set no stipulation as to the format.
Seizing on the offer, the ACO decided on an endurance test for production cars to help drive technology forward. The first race took place on May 25 and 26 1923 and was won by Lagache and Léonard in a Chenard-Walcker. Amazingly, 30 of the 33 starters made it to the finish.
In 1926 a fierce argument broke out between the ACO and some of the landowners on which some of the facilities were built. The ACO moved its main grandstand and paddock to a racecourse adjacent to the circuit but by the following year a financial agreement was reached and the circuit returned to normal. That year also saw the Pontlieue to Mulsanne section asphalted and car parks for some 3,000 vehicles constructed.
The first major alteration to the circuit layout was made in 1929, when a link road was inserted to bypass the section through the Pontlieue suburbs. The Rue du Circuit left the Pontlieue road 440 yards before the houses and joined the Route Nationale to Tours via two right-hand bends. However, by 1932 even this had been rendered unsuitable for the racing cars, with the section leading to it considered too narrow to be safe. As a result, the ACO purchased a strip of land from the pits to Tertre Rouge, constructing the Dunlop Curve and the famous Esses as a new link road.
World War 2 provided an unhappy interruption to proceedings, with the circuit taken over during the German occupation to serve the airstrip which ran alongside. It took until 1948 to revive the circuit and the race resumed the following year. While the roads had survived the war intact and in good condition, all of the circuit facilities had been razed and needed to be re-built. Five new covered grandstands were constructed, along with a new pit building and shops, with restaurants and bars soon also springing up.
The grimmest episode in motor racing history unfolded at Le Mans in 1955, with a tragic crash marring the great race's history. The Mercedes of Pierre Levegh collided on the pit straight with Lance Macklin's Austin-Healey and was launched into the air before exploding into the embankment, killing the unfortunate Levegh and 83 spectators. Mercedes withdrew from the race - and from international motorsport at the end of the year - and question marks were raised as to whether motor racing itself was safe to continue.
Changes were immediately put in place for the 1956 race, which was held a month later than usual in July to allow them to be completed. The pits were moved further back from the track and the pit straight widened. Spectator enclosures were moved back and safety barriers installed, while two new subways were inserted for pedestrians and cars.
In 1965, a new short course was constructed - named the Bugatti Circuit - which allowed racing to continue without the need to disrupt the Route Nationale. Twisty and relatively short, it utilises the pit straight and Dunlop Curve, before turning right ahead of the Esses and rejoining at the pit straight. It was used once by Formula One for the French GP in 1967 and proved unpopular but has since proved a more lasting home for motorcycling events.
The Ford Chicane was inserted at the final corner in 1968, while further changes were made during 1971-72, when the ACO began eliminating many of the sections of public road from the course. The narrow section after Arnage through Maison Blanche to the Ford Chicane was replaced with a new, wider stretch incorporating the Porsche Curves.
Minor changes occurred in 1979 when Tertre Rouge was tightened to accommmodate a new ring road built around the town. Then in 1986 Mulsanne Corner was also slightly recongfigured to avoid a newly-constructed roundabout.
The next set of changes included the incorporation of several chicanes to slow speeds. In 1987 a chicane was inserted at Dunlop Corner, while the famous Mulsanne Straight finally succombed to chiacanes in 1990, being effectively split into three shorter blasts. The bumpy chicanes were not popular with drivers but became a necessary evil when top speeds crept over the 250mph mark. In 1991 Arnage and Indianapolis were also lightly modified to provide extra run-off.
A decade passed until the next changes. In 2001 the crest at the Mulsanne Kink was eased following several infamous 'flips' by Mercedes sportscars in previous years. This included a spectacular effort by Peter Dumbreck during the 1999 race, when he miraculously escaped injury after landing in an area that had only been cleared of dense trees weeks before...
In 2002 a new left-right-left kink was added just after the Dunlop Bridge, while the Bugatti circuit's Virage de la Chapelle will be moved closer to the famous bridge. The changes allowed greater run-off to be provided for the circuit's motorcycle racers.
More revisions have followed for 2006, with the Dunlop Chicane tightened further in another bid to lower speeds. Despite all the revisions, Le Mans retains its draw for spectators, drivers and manufacturers alike
Time Zone : (GMT +1:00 hour) Brussels, Copenhagen, Madrid, Paris
Major Events : 24 hours of Le Mans, Moto GP, Historics
Circuit Length : Circuit de la Sarthe 8.47 miles / 13.880km
Bugatti Circuit 2.601 miles
Turns : 21; 15R 6L
Lap Record : Circuit de la Sarthe 3m18.513s (247.160 km/h) S.Sarrazin, Peugeot 908 HDI, 2008
Bugatti Circuit Cars: 1m30.713s - Mika Hakkinen, AMG Mercedes C-Klasse, 2006
Bugatti Circuit Bikes: 1m32.647s - Dani Pedrosa, Honda 2009
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Please contact this circuit using the information panels below.
A cruel disappointment for Pegasus Racing Posted on: 15/06/2010
Pegasus Racing overcame all the obstacles in its path to be at the start of the Le Mans 24 Hours. The fledgling team from Strasbourg and its new car handled their Sarthe debut with all the expertise of a well-honed top-level endurance squad. But a misunderstanding on the track led to the French car’s retirement in a race in which the favourites also had t... Read More >>
Audi achieves record victory at Le Mans with new technology Posted on: 14/06/2010
• First Le Mans exploit with Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG)
• New distance record thanks to efficiency and reliability
• All three Audi R15 TDI cars in top three places
For the ninth time Audi has won the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans and thus equalized Ferrari’s position in the roll of honor in t... Read More >>
Jeff Koons: These race cars are like gladiators Posted on: 14/06/2010
BMW brought a tradition back to life when it lined up at the 78th staging of the Le Mans 24 Hours (FR) with an elaborately designed Art Car. American artist Jeff Koons’ BMW M3 GT2 Art Car really caught the eye in France.
While the no. 78 BMW M3 GT2, with drivers Jörg Müller (DE), Augusto Farfus (BR) and Uwe Alzen (DE), finish... Read More >>
Corvettes Dominate GT2 But Succumb To Crash Damage And Engine Problems; Luc Alphand Corvette Finished 2nd in GT1 Posted on: 14/06/2010
Corvette Racing's bid for its first GT2 title in the 24 Hours of Le Mans ended Sunday morning at 9:42 a.m. when the No. 64 Corvette C6.R retired with an apparent engine problem. Driver Oliver Gavin nursed the car to a marshal's station at Mulsanne corner, where it was pushed behind the barriers and officially retired.
A Lap of Le Mans with Audi Sport Posted on: 11/06/2010
• Le Mans - One of the world’s most legendary race tracks
• 8.47-mile track length
• No track tests possible
The 8.47 mile "Circuit de la Sarthe" used for the 24 Heures du Mans is considered one of the world’s most fascinating race tracks o... Read More >>
Corvette Motorsport - Live Coverage of Le Mans 24 Hours in 50th Anniversary Year Posted on: 11/06/2010
The 12th and 13th June is annotated in red in the diary of all Corvette owners and fans. It is namely during that weekend that the 78th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is on the programme and that race undeniably belongs to the world inheritance of the international motorsport scene.
This year's 24 Hours of Le Mans marks the 50th anniversary of ... Read More >>
Guernseyman Andy Priaulx Pilots Jeff Koons BMW M3 GT2 Art Car in 78th 24 Heures du Mans Posted on: 11/06/2010
Guernsey’s Andy Priaulx will realise a motor racing dream when he starts the Le Mans 24 Hour race this weekend for the very first time. However, the story of the triple world champion’s first entry into this classic event doesn’t stop there, as he will be racing a work of art. One of the world’s most celebrated living artists, America&rs... Read More >>
PEUGEOT ON POLE FOR THE FOURTH TIME IN SUCCESSION Posted on: 11/06/2010
For the fourth time in as many years a Peugeot 908 HDi FAP has taken pole position for tomorrow’s 78th Le Mans 24 Hours, with the team’s three cars occupying the first three places just ahead of Team Oreca’s Peugeot in fourth. Changeable weather on the second day of qualifying prevented a new battle for the top spot but allowed Team Peugeot To... Read More >>
Bruni Loses Le Mans Pole to Oliver Gavins Corvette ZR1 GT2 Posted on: 11/06/2010
Gianmaria Bruni has lost his GT2 pole for this weekend's Le Mans 24 Hours after his Risi Competizione Ferrari 430 failed scrutineering. Bruni pipped the works Chevrolet team to top spot with a time of 3m59.233s, but a post-qualifying check found the car's rear wing Gurney flap to be 2mm too low.
Team BMW Motorsport gearing up for classic race in Le Mans Posted on: 08/06/2010
This weekend Team BMW Motorsport will line up at the 24-hour race in Le Mans (FR) with two BMW M3 GT2 racing cars. Having achieved promising results in the Le Mans Series, Team Manager Charly Lamm's squad now has its sights set on another good result in the LM GT2 category at the highlight of the season. BMW treats the fans in Le Mans with a special highlight: ... Read More >>
McNISH GUNNING FOR LE MANS “HAT-TRICK” AS AUDI CHASE NINTH VICTORY Posted on: 08/06/2010
Allan McNish bids to earn himself a third and Audi a ninth Le Mans 24 Hours race victory when the Briton drives a revised diesel engined Audi in this year’s gruelling race next weekend (12-13 June).
The 40-year-old Scotsman drives an Audi R15 TDI along with co-drivers Dindo Capello (45/Italy) and Tom Kristensen (42/Denmark) ) – t... Read More >>
Matech Competition: Ford GT Driver Line Up Includes All Swiss Female As Gachnang Returns From Injury Posted on: 08/06/2010
Further to the announcement of the second Ford GT of Matech Competition for the legendary race at Le Mans in June, the race at Spa for the 1000Km Le Mans Series proved a very successful test. The podium of the Le Mans Series GT1 category was 100 % Matech Ford GT1s !
Of the 6 drivers in the Spa 1000Km, 4 will drive the Matech Ford GT1 cars in the 24... Read More >>
JAGUAR MARKS ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY WITH RETURN TO LE MANS Posted on: 08/06/2010
Jaguar returns to the starting grid at Le Mans on June 12, as the stunning XKR GT2 sports car lines up alongside the world's leading endurance racers for the classic 24-hour event. As Jaguar celebrates its 75th anniversary of building and racing cars, it is fitting that the British marque returns to competition at the circuit where it earned seven race wi... Read More >>
Audi R15 TDI attracts great interest as thousands turn out for Scrutineering Posted on: 08/06/2010
• Thousands of fans turn out for Technical Scrutineering at Le Mans
• Rainy weather predicted for practice days
Audi Sport Team Joest has successfully taken the first formal hurdle at the 78th edition of the Le Mans 24 Hours: all three Audi R15 TDI cars passed the Technical Scrutin... Read More >>
Peugeot 908 HDi FAP Posted on: 08/06/2010
The Car To Beat At Le Mans 2010
The Peugeot 908 HDi FAP has overtaken Audi over the past couple of years, although the updated R15 TDi will be no pushover. We've looked into the technical aspects of the 908, which you can read about below.
Peugeot 908 HDi FAP
Read More >>
Six Porsche 911 GT3 RSR at legendary long distance classic Posted on: 08/06/2010
With six 911 GT3 RSR fielded by customer teams from Europe and the USA, the Porsche colours fly strong at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Taking up the world’s most famous long distance race amongst the favourites for GT2 class honours at 15.00 hours on 12 June are works drivers Marc Lieb (Germany), Richard Lietz (Austria) and Wolf Henzler (Ge... Read More >>
Corvette Racing to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Corvettes first race at Le Mans Posted on: 04/06/2010
The 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 12-13 will mark the 50th anniversary of Corvette's first participation in the world's most prestigious sports car race.
Chevrolet kicked off the celebration by bringing together historic Corvette Le Mans race cars from the 1960s, and their iconic drivers, with the championship-winning Corvette Racing team at M... Read More >>
Le Mans Classic 9th to 11th July 2010 Posted on: 04/06/2010
Are you looking for comfortable, affordable accomodation while attending this event? Bed & breakfast accomodation is (plus other meals if needed) at the luxury gîte, Le Domaine des Hallais from just 45 euros pp per night for for race-goers.
Just an easy 45 min drive away from the circuit, this English-owned facility is in a beautiful rural locatio... Read More >>
AUDI FACTORY DRIVER JARVIS TO MAKE LE MANS DEBUT IN CUSTOMER R10 TDI Posted on: 26/05/2010
Britain’s Oliver Jarvis will make his Le Mans 24 Hour endurance sportscar race début at the wheel of a diesel-engined Audi next month (12-13 June).
The 26-year-old from Burwell, Cambridge, drives an Audi R10 TDI alongside Christian Bakkerud (Denmark) and Christophe Bouchut (France) – a car that scored a “hat-trick&rd... Read More >>
LORENZO EXTENDS FRENCH RULE WITH IMPOSING LE MANS VICTORY Posted on: 23/05/2010
Jorge Lorenzo stormed clear of Valentino Rossi to take his second win in a row in Le Mans this afternoon, making it three victories from three races for the Fiat Yamaha Team this year. Rossi overcame a few problems with both his bike and his shoulder to finish second, with Spaniard Andrea Dovizioso third.
Rossi started from pole and got a b... Read More >>
Battered Bautista determined to race in Le Mans Posted on: 17/05/2010
The third round of the 2010 MotoGP World Championship will see Rizla Suzuki riders Loris Capirossi and Álvaro Bautista competing at the famous Le Mans circuit in France this weekend.
Following the floodlit extravaganza of Qatar and the hedonistic atmosphere of Jerez, the MotoGP cavalcade now heads to one of the most heritage-laden tracks on any motor... Read More >>
Pegasus Racing Demonstrates Bullet-Proof Reliability At Spa; Prepares New Norma M200 for Le Mans Posted on: 14/05/2010
The Pegasus Racing team was all smiles when the no.36 Courage-AER crossed the finishing line in the Spa-Francorchamps 1000 kms. It came home sixth in the LM P2 category, the same place in which it currently lies in the championship. The other reason for rejoicing was the visit to Le Mans at the start of last week by the new Norma-Judd M200.
Read More >>
Tom Kristensens Exclusive Le Mans Countdown - Part 9 Posted on: 30/04/2010
In a weekly column Le Mans record winner Tom Kristensen gives some exclusive insights behind the scenes of the world’s most famous endurance race and the preparation by Audi Sport Team Joest.
"The Le Mans 24 Hours have been held since 1923. And over the years the question of which car can cover the longest distance in 24 hou... Read More >>
DESIGN A LIVERY FOR ASTON MARTINS LE MANS 24 HOURS RACER Posted on: 20/04/2010
Cutting edge tyre company Dunlop is offering amateur and professional artists from across the UK an amazing opportunity: to design the livery for one of the top cars in this year’s world famous Le Mans 24 Hours sportscar race.
JMW Motorsport will be entering its official factory-supported GT2 Aston Marti... Read More >>
Andy Priaulx to drive the 17th BMW Art Car at the 24 Hours of Le Mans Posted on: 09/04/2010
Team BMW Motorsport will compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a work of art on four wheels: the no. 79 BMW M3 GT2 has been designed as a “rolling sculpture” by Jeff Koons.
The American artist – one of the best-known and renowned artists of his time – presented his first preliminary design concept at a... Read More >>
ACO Membership is Revolutionized Posted on: 22/03/2010
Serenity 24, Passion 24, Moto 24
With its new membership packages, the ACO will be able to assist and protect road users, while promoting their passion for motor sports and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The 80,000 members of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, and those who begin a new memberships this year with the ACO can... Read More >>
Bouchut, Tucker, Rodriguez, an Audi for Le Mans! Posted on: 17/03/2010
2010 Le Mans 24 Hours: Driver line-up no.15 Team Kolles Audi R10 TDI
Christophe Bouchut (F) – Scott Tucker (USA) – Manu Rodriguez (F/P)
Thanks to the unstinting efforts of Christophe Bouchut, the Kolles team will have a fine driver line-up for the 78th Le Mans 24 Hours in June. It consists of a former race winner and two g... Read More >>
Matech Completes All Female Le Mans Team with Rahel Frey Posted on: 16/03/2010
Matech Competition have completed their driver line up for the Le Mans 24 hours following a successful test with Rahel Frey at Paul Ricard on 7-8 March.
The 24 year old driver from Niederbipp in Switzerland joins Natacha Gachnang and Cyndie Allemann, creating a 100% female and 100% Swiss team. Rahel joins Matech Competition from Formula 3 h... Read More >>
LM‐GT2 Is Category Of The Future For Endurance Racing Posted on: 11/03/2010
The Automobile Club de l’Ouest has announced that the LM‐GT2 category, currently expanding rapidly, has a wonderful future in both the “24 Heures du Mans” and the Le Mans Series (in Europe, in the USA and in Asia).
Indeed, the ACO had already taken 3 important decisions in 2009 concerning the future of the category:Read More >>
2010 LE MANS 24 HOURS: LEAVE THE TENT BEHIND AND DO IT IN STYLE! Posted on: 11/03/2010
The Le Mans 24 hours race is without doubt the premier event at the Sarthe circuit in northern France and indisputably the world's greatest endurance race.In the last 10 years overall winners have included Bentley and Audi who stunned the racing world by winning Le Mans in a diesel powered car ! On 11th-13th June, this year's event will be the 78th since the fi... Read More >>
Le Mans Driver - The First Endurance Racing School in the World! Posted on: 16/02/2010
The Automobile Club de l’Ouest unveiled the first driving school prototype for discovering and training the future generation of endurance drivers before the official presentation of the field for the 78th Le Mans 24 Hours. The Club has given itself a very attractive car whose performance and design make it the ideal vehicle to launch the endurance nurser... Read More >>
Matech to Compete With Ford GT1 at Le Mans 24 hours With All Female Driver Team Posted on: 08/02/2010
Martin Bartek and the entire Matech Competition team are thrilled following confirmation from the ACO of their invitation to take a Ford GT1 car to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Bartek said: “This is great recognition for the whole team who have worked very hard on this Ford GT1 project. That our car has been considered for this 78th edition exc... Read More >>
McNish Spearheads 3 Car Audi Team For Le Mans 24 Hours Posted on: 05/02/2010
Allan McNish will bid for a third career Le Mans 24 Hour race victory in June when the Flying Scotsman races an Audi in search of the German manufacturer’s ninth triumph in the annual French sportscar endurance race.
Dumfries-born McNish will drive the latest diesel-engined Audi R15 TDI sports-prototype in the twice-around-the-clock en... Read More >>
JAGUAR RETURNS TO LE MANS Posted on: 04/02/2010
The year 2010 marks the 75th anniversary of the Jaguar name on both road and race cars. As a continuation of this great heritage, Jaguar can confirm it will return to the famed Le Mans 24 hours.
With a total of seven wins between 1951 and 1990, Jaguar is the single most successful British make in the race’s history. Jaguar will return to Le ... Read More >>
Les 24 Heures du Mans 2010 - Entry List Posted on: 04/02/2010
The ACO has announced the official entry list for Le Mans 2010.
A quick glance down the drivers names reveals a glittering array of talent - Tom Kristensen, Allan McNish, Rinaldo Capello, Alexander Wurz, Marcel Fassler, Nicolas Minassian, Sebastien Bourdais, Olivier Panis, Nigel Mansell, Soheil Ayari, Darren Turner, Harald Primat, David Brabham, M... Read More >>
ASTON MARTIN ANNOUNCES 2010 RACING PLANS Posted on: 02/02/2010
Aston Martin Racing will enter two Works LMP1 cars bearing the iconic blue and orange livery of Gulf Oil in the 2010 Le Mans 24 Hours.
The British team exceeded all expectations at La Sarthe in 2009 by finishing fourth overall, having been quickest of the petrol powered prototypes from start to finish in its maiden LMP1 outing.
Audi Strengthens Driver Line Up For Assault on Le Mans 24 Hours Posted on: 31/01/2010
Audi extends driver line-up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Treluyer new to the team
Joint test run in the 1000-kilometer race at Spa
Audi Sport leaves nothing to chance in its endeavour to bring the prest... Read More >>
Scrutineering for 24 Hours Planned for Sunday 6th June Posted on: 19/01/2010
The ACO would like scrutineering to begin on Sunday afternoon…
The Automobile Club de l’Ouest confirms that at the end of 2009 it asked the Le Mans town hall if scrutineering* for the 2010 Le Mans 24 Hours could begin on Sunday afternoon 6th June. This would enable many people to take advantage of this free event on what i... Read More >>
Audi Joins New Prototype Racing Series - the Le Mans Intercontinental Cup Posted on: 10/12/2009
* Two Audi R15 TDI cars in the new “Le Mans Intercontinental Cup”
* Three prototypes in the 2010 Le Mans 24 Hours
* Clear commitment to the DTM – customer sport with the Audi R8 LMS
In 2010, the DTM, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the customer sport program with the Audi R8 LMS will again be the three cornerstone... Read More >>
The ACO launches the “2010 Le Mans Intercontinental Cup” Posted on: 09/12/2009
During its press conference at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours in June, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest confirmed its intention to link the various Le Mans Series, so in 2010, it will launch a cup reserved for entrants in the top endurance category, LM P1. This cup will be held on 3 continents in 3 races that are already part of the different series run und... Read More >>
Great Value New Le Mans Accommodation For Groups – Organiser Stays Free! Posted on: 05/12/2009
If you are looking for somewhere to stay during the 24hour Le Mans events and trying to organise a group, a new venue has recently opened nearby providing tailor-made accommodation and services.
Le Domaine des Hallais is offering group organisers one free place for all bookings placed before 31 March 2010 for the Le Mans 24h motorcycle race ... Read More >>
Group C Cars to Race at Le Mans in 2010! Posted on: 20/11/2009
The support race at next year’s Le Mans 24 Hours (12-13 June 2010) will be for the awesome prototypes of the "Group C" era – meaning that crowds will be treated to the sight and sound of such icons as the Silk Cut Jaguars, Sauber Mercedes and Porsche 962s in flat-out competition on the fabulous, 8.5-mile Le Mans circuit, shortly before the... Read More >>
2010 Le Mans 24 Hours - 29 Entrants Selected by ACO Posted on: 19/11/2009
The top 2 cars in each catagory of the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Petit Le Mans, the Le Mans Series in the United States, Europe and Asia and the winner of the Michelin Green X Challenge automatically get an official selection for next year’s Le Mans 24 Hours.
As all the 2009 season’s championships throughout the world have now finished, he... Read More >>
FORMULA LE MANS TO RACE ALONGSIDE LE MANS SERIES IN 2010! Posted on: 16/11/2009
FORMULA LE MANS IS A GENUINE RACING NURSERY AND THE “FIRST STEP” TOWARDS ENDURANCE RACING. AS SUCH THE AUTOMOBILE CLUB DE L’OUEST HOLDS IT DEAR AND HAS GRANTED THE ENTRANCE TO THE “LE MANS SERIES” ENDURANCE RACES.
From the next racing season on, owners of FORMULA LE MANS race cars (an ORECA FLM mono... Read More >>
Le Mans 24 Hours Rules - ACO Brainstorms With Race Car Constructors Posted on: 07/10/2009
On Tuesday, 6th October, the ACO held a meeting in Paris invited to which were those constructors involved, or who could become involved in the 24 Heures du Mans, and in the series which are run under the same rules (ALMS, LMS, Asian Le Mans Series).
After announcing the new engine types for the new 2011 rules, the aim of this meeting was to valid... Read More >>
24 Hours Truck Racing @ Le Mans, 19th & 20th September Posted on: 07/09/2009
Monstrous panel bashing action is coming to Le Mans with the truck 24 hours - these 5 ton, 1,000 horsepower behemoths will compete in the European and French championships on the Bugatti circuit on the 19th and 20th September.
Incredible races in a festive atmosphere make this a very popular event, with rides, displays of accessories, parades ... Read More >>
French Superbike & World Sidecar Championships 5th & 6th September Posted on: 17/08/2009
SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP OF FRANCE & SIDECAR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
The top level of speed in France, the French Superbike Championship always see exciting races in 600 and 1000 cc, and gives fans the chance to watch future riders developing their racing skills. In addition to the superbike races, the world sidecar championships also compete&nb... Read More >>
LICENCE TO LE MANS? Posted on: 07/08/2009
The story of MP Lord Paul Drayson's quest to race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be shown on Dave - the home of witty banter - from the end ofAugust.
French Superbike and Sidecar Championships race at Le Mans, 5th & 6th September Posted on: 04/08/2009
The fastest motorbike racing series in France, the French Superbike Championship, always presents the opportunity to see amazing races in the 600 and 1,000 cc categories, and to come across up-and-coming riders. In addition to the support races (125, etc.), the French round of the world sidecar championship will also be held on the Bugatti circuit on the weekend of... Read More >>
Formula Renault 3.5 World Series heads to Le Mans 18-19 July Posted on: 10/07/2009
Martinez defends his lead
Marcos Martinez (Pons Racing) currently leads the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, but his position is increasingly under pressure.
In second place, James Walker (P1 Motorsport) is making a strong comeback, while Bertrand Baguette (International Draco Racing) needs to get back on track after struggling at Silverstone.
Ch... Read More >>
Le Mans - another vintage year... Posted on: 25/06/2009
The 77th race took place in front of a crowd of 234,800 spectators, down on the 2008 figure by around 9% (which set a record-beating figure of 258,500 spectators).
This slight reduction is due to a decrease in ticket sales because of the corporate spend freeze, but overall the number of tickets sold to the general public remains stable.
T... Read More >>
Le Domaine des Hallais The beautifully renovated French farm is a newly available option for Le Mans race events, ideal for clubs and corporate hospitality. The resident English owners offer exclusive rentals to clubs and other groups, with flexible catering as required (including picnic lunches for the circuit, and evening meals), and can also assist with local ticket purchase and other arrangements.
ACO Membership is Revolutionized
With its new membership packages, the ACO will be able to assist and protect road users, while promoting their passion for motor sports and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Apply Now
Le Mans Classic in France 9-11 July - Accomodation
Are you looking for comfortable, affordable accomodation while attending this event? Bed & breakfast accomodation is (plus other meals if needed) at the luxury gîte, Le Domaine des Hallais from just 45 euros pp per night for for race-goers. Apply Now
Organiser stays FREE if you bring a group of 10+ for 3+ nights to Le Domaine des Hallais.
This beautifully renovated French farm sleeps up to 25 and is perfect for clubs or corporate hospitality. Located an easy 45 min drive west of Le Mans in a peaceful rural setting. Apply Now
• 28 & 29 March 2009 COUPE DE FRANCE PROMOSPORT - MOTO > CIRCUIT BUGATTI
• 18 & 19 April 2009 24 HEURES MOTO - MOTO > CIRCUIT BUGATTI
• 25 & 26 April 2009 ESSAIS LE MANS SERIES - AUTO > CIRCUIT BUGATTI
• 15, 16 & 17 May 2009 GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE MOTO - MOTO > CIRCUIT BUGATTI
• 13 & 14 June 2009 24 HEURES DU MANS - AUTO > CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES
• 4 & 5 July 2009 LeMans STORY - AUTO > CIRCUIT BUGATTI
• 18 & 19 July 2009 WORLD SERIES BY RENAULT - AUTO > CIRCUIT BUGATTI
• 29 & 30 August 2009 24 HEURES KARTING - KARTING > CIRCUIT ALAIN PROST
• 5 & 6 September 2009 FRENCH CHAMPIONSHIP SUPERBIKE & WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SIDECAR - MOTO / SIDECAR > CIRCUIT BUGATTI
• 12 & 13 September 2009 ENDURANCE 50CC - MOTO > CIRCUIT MAISON BLANCHE
• 19 & 20 September 2009 24 HEURES Truck Racing - CAMION > CIRCUIT BUGATTI
• 24 & 25 October 2009 JOURNEES INTER ECURIES - AUTO > CIRCUIT BUGATTI
2010 Event Calendar
17th & 18th APRIL 2010
Le Mans 24 Hours for Motorcycles
In keeping with tradition, the 33rd Le Mans 24 Hours for Motorcycles will be the first round of the FIM Endurance World Championship consisting of five races in 2010.
Honda France, which made its return to endurance last year, is out to take its revenge on Yamaha, which can again count on one of the winners of the 2009 World Championship, Gwen Giabbani who has resigned with YART (Yamaha Austria Racing Team). But Suzuki with SERT, winner in 2008, and the Team 18 Sapeurs Pompiers, runner-up in 2009, and Kawasaki don’t see things that way. Completing the programme will be the first round of the 2010 Superside World Championship, and the International Classic Grand Prix (2-stroke motorbikes from the 70s/80s) plus a free concert on Saturday evening on the Bugatti circuit.
The 2010 Le Mans 24 Hours
Quite simply the best cars in the world
The perspective of a grid made up of Peugeot, Audi, Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, Ford and Jaguar was a dream. And in June the dream will become reality! The quality and in-depth strength of the 78th Le Mans 24 Hours field will give spectators the opportunity to see the best cars in the world, and will make the race one of the outstanding sporting events of 2010.
LIST OF THE COMPETITORS AND CARS INVITED
http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/pages/engages_gb.html
