Current (1997) 24h Circuit length: 13.6 Km / 8.45 miles

The "circuit of the 24 hours" is situated just south of the city of Le Mans, the capital of the region of La Sarthe. The first motor race at Le Mans was the Grand Prix of the Auto Club De France on 26/27th June 1906 but not on the current circuit. It took place on an immense 60 mile, triangular course to the east of the city passing through the eastern fringes of Le Mans and La Ferte Bernard in the north and St Calais to the south. This historic first event was won by Francois Szisz in the innovative 90 bhp shaft drive 1906 Renault at an average speed of 62.88 mph over 769.3 miles.

The Grand Prix of the ACF was held (roughly) on the site of the modern track between 1911 and 1913. The Automobile Club de L'Ouest (ACO) was formed after WW1 and the 'long' circuit was established (10.73 miles) reaching as far as Pontlieu to the north of Tertre Rouge.

The Grand Prix of 1921 was among various races that were held at the circuit in the early twenties until the 24 hour race was initiated in 1923. The long circuit was kept for six years, but the Pontlieu hairpin was deemed too a hazardous and the course was cut to the Tertre Rouge corner of today in 1929.

In 1932 a road was contructed linking the start/finish area on the RN113 over the RN158 near Tertre Rouge, reducing the length of the circuit to 8.38 miles. The length was reduced again in 1955 to 8.36 miles when the Arnage area was altered.

1968 saw a chicane added before the pits entry, and in 1974 the 'Virage Ford' chicane was implemented. In 1986 the Mulsanne corner was altered to make way for a modified roundabout. At that time the circuit was 8.47 miles long and remained substantially unchanged until the arrival of the Mulsanne chicanes in 1990.

For more circuit info' visit the ACO 'official' page.