The Circuit de la Sarthe, or Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans for most, is possibly the most famous circuit in the world. It is a semi-permanent one located in Le Mans, France, and the track has deep history to it with regard to the mythical Le Mans 24 Hours endurance racing event, a testament to speed, reliability, and raw determination.
What sets the Circuit de la Sarthe apart is that it is a hybrid circuit. Part of the circuit is reserved dedicated racing track, but the rest uses public roads that, when not being reserved for racing, are part of the normal road network locally. To navigate these sections on other occasions than race weekends offers a taste of motorsport history, but at much more sane speeds!
Located within the complex is the Bugatti Circuit, a short, enclosed circuit that was once famously used to host the 1967 Formula 1 French Grand Prix, won by Australian legend Jack Brabham. Whilst F1 never returned, the Bugatti Circuit has established its own reputation, hosting the French Motorcycle Grand Prix and other top-level events.
The Circuit de la Sarthe itself is a masterpiece of high-speed racing. Its hallmark is the Ligne Droite des Hunaudières (or Mulsanne Straight), a six-kilometre stretch of pure speed. Before 1990, this was where cars used to attain brain-scrambling speeds, but two chicanes have since been introduced to rein in the madness - though only marginally. Even with those alterations, 85% of a lap here is spent at full bore, subjecting cars and drivers to gargantuan stress.
The Mulsanne Corner, where the straight finishes, is a brake test of biblical proportions. Cars must take their speed from near 200 mph down to 65 in the blink of an eye, pushing brakes, and nerves to the ultimate limit. It is this combination of relentless straights and fast, technical corners that makes the Circuit de la Sarthe a test track unlike any other.
Whether you’re a fan of the raw spectacle of the Le Mans 24 Hours, a student of motorsport history, or simply in awe of endurance racing, Circuit de la Sarthe is a place where legends are made and the spirit of racing comes alive. It’s not just a track; it’s a temple to speed, innovation, and resilience.