Circuit de la Sarthe

Circuit de la Sarthe is a motor racing track in Le Mans that stretches over 13 kilometers, linking private sections with public roads that remain open to traffic outside race events. The layout includes 38 turns and alternates between paved racing surfaces and sections used by everyday vehicles.

The track opened in 1923 and its first 24-hour race gathered 33 cars from 18 manufacturers. Lagache and Leonard claimed the first victory in a Chenard-Walker.

The museum near the main entrance gathers racing vehicles, trophies and memorabilia from decades of competition, offering insight into how the event evolved over time. The collection shows how technology and design of the cars changed across generations.

The venue holds 100,000 spectators with viewing areas, parking spaces and tram connections from the center of Le Mans. The public sections can be explored by car or on foot outside race weekends.

Drivers spend 85 percent of each lap at full throttle, placing extreme strain on engines and drivetrains throughout the course. This nearly constant flat-out running makes the track a particular challenge for machinery.

Location: Le Mans

Inception: 1923

Operator: ACO

Address: Pl. Luigi Chinetti, 72019 Le Mans, France

Phone: +33243402424

Website: http://lemans.org/en

GPS coordinates: 47.94986,0.20753

Latest update: December 15, 2025 06:31