Circuit de la Sarthe

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}} {{Short description|Race course in Le Mans, France}} {{For|the French road bicycle racing stage race|Circuit de la Sarthe (cycling)}}

{{Motorsport venue | name = Circuit des 24 Heures | nicknames = Circuit de la Sarthe | location = Le Mans, Pays de la Loire, France | coordinates = {{Coord|47|56|N|0|14|E|type:landmark_region:FR_dim:5km|display=it}} | fia_grade = 2 (Endurance) | logo = File:Circuit_des_24_Heures_du_Mans_logo.jpg | image = class=skin-invert|250px | image_caption = Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans (2018–present) | capacity = | owner = Automobile Club de l'Ouest Ville du Mans | operator = Automobile Club de l'Ouest | broke_ground = | opened = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1923|05|26}} | closed = | construction_cost = | architect = | former_names = | events = '''Current:''' '''FIA WEC''' ''24 Hours of Le Mans'' (1923–1935, 1937–1939, 1949–present) '''Le Mans Classic''' (intermittently 2002–2018, 2021–2023, 2025) '''FIM EWC''' ''24 Heures Motos'' (1978–present) ''' MotoGP ''' ''French motorcycle Grand Prix''(1969–1970, 1976, 1979, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989–1990, 1994–1995, 2000–present) ''Vitesse du Mans motorcycle Grand Prix'' (1991) ''' Former:''' ''World Sportscar Championship'' (1953–1955, 1957–1974, 1980–1989, 1991–1992) | layout = Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans (2018–present) | surface = Tarmac | length_km = 13.626 | length_mi = 8.467 | turns = 38 | record_time = 3:17.297 | record_driver = {{flagicon|GBR}} Mike Conway | record_car = Toyota TS050 Hybrid | record_year = 2019 | record_class = LMP1 | layout2 = Circuit de la Sarthe (2007–2017) | surface2 = Tarmac | length2_km = 13.629 | length2_mi = 8.470 | turns2 = 38 | record_time2 = 3:17.475 | record_driver2 = {{flagicon|GER}} André Lotterer | record_car2 = Audi R18 | record_year2 = 2015 | record_class2 = LMP1 | layout3 = Circuit de la Sarthe (2002–2006) | surface3 = Tarmac | length3_km = 13.650 | length3_mi = 8.482 | turns3 = 38 | record_time3 = 3:31.211 | record_driver3 = {{flagicon|DEN}} Tom Kristensen | record_car3 = Audi R10 TDI | record_year3 = 2006 | record_class3 = LMP1 | layout4 = Circuit de la Sarthe (1997–2001) | surface4 = Tarmac | length4_km = 13.605 | length4_mi = 8.453 | turns4 = 36 | record_time4 = 3:35.032 | record_driver4 = {{flagicon|JPN|1947}} Ukyo Katayama | record_car4 = Toyota GT-One | record_year4 = 1999 | record_class4 = LMGTP | layout5 = Circuit de la Sarthe (1990–1996) | surface5 = Tarmac | length5_km = 13.600 | length5_mi = 8.451 | turns5 = 36 | record_time5 = 3:27.470 | record_driver5 = {{flagicon|GBR}} Eddie Irvine | record_car5 = Toyota TS010 | record_year5 = 1993 | record_class5 = Group C1 | layout6 = Circuit de la Sarthe (1987–1989) | surface6 = Tarmac | length6_km = 13.535 | length6_mi = 8.410 | turns6 = 30 | record_time6 = 3:21.270 | record_driver6 = {{flagicon|FRA|1974}} Alain Ferté | record_car6 = Jaguar XJR-9 | record_year6 = 1989 | record_class6 = Group C1 | layout7 = Circuit de la Sarthe (1986) | surface7 = Tarmac | length7_km = 13.528 | length7_mi = 8.406 | turns7 = 28 | record_time7 = 3:23.300 | record_driver7 = {{flagicon|BRD}} Klaus Ludwig | record_car7 = Porsche 956B | record_year7 = 1986 | record_class7 = Group C1 | layout8 = Circuit de la Sarthe (1979–1985) | surface8 = Tarmac | length8_km = 13.626 | length8_mi = 8.467 | turns8 = 27 | record_time8 = 3:25.100 | record_driver8 = {{flagicon|BRD}} Jochen Mass | record_car8 = Porsche 962C | record_year8 = 1985 | record_class8 = Group C1 | layout9 = Circuit de la Sarthe (1972–1978) | surface9 = Tarmac | length9_km = 13.640 | length9_mi = 8.476 | turns9 = 26 | record_time9 = 3:34.200 | record_driver9 = {{flagicon|FRA|1974}} Jean-Pierre Jabouille | record_car9 = Renault Alpine A443 | record_year9 = 1978 | record_class9 = Group 6 | layout10 = Circuit de la Sarthe (1968–1971) | surface10 = Tarmac | length10_km = 13.469 | length10_mi = 8.369 | turns10 = 19 | record_time10 = 3:18.400 | record_driver10 = {{flagicon|GBR}} Jackie Oliver | record_car10 = Porsche 917L | record_year10 = 1971 | record_class10 = Group 5 | layout11 = Circuit de la Sarthe (1956–1967) | surface11 = Tarmac | length11_km = 13.461 | length11_mi = 8.365 | turns11 = 17 | record_time11 = 3:23.600 | record_driver11 = {{flagicon|USA}} Mario Andretti/{{flagicon|NZL}} Denny Hulme | record_car11 = Ford GT40 Mk IV | record_year11 = 1967 | record_class11 = Group 4 | layout12 = Circuit de la Sarthe (1932–1955) | surface12 = Tarmac | length12_km = 13.492 | length12_mi = 8.378 | turns12 = 17 | record_time12 = 4:06.600 | record_driver12 = {{flagicon|GBR}} Mike Hawthorn | record_car12 = Jaguar D-Type | record_year12 = 1955 | record_class12 = Sports prototype | layout13 = Circuit de la Sarthe (1929–1931) | surface13 = Tarmac | length13_km = 16.340 | length13_mi = 10.153 | turns13 = 17 | record_time13 = 6:48.000 | record_driver13 = {{flagicon|GBR}} Henry Birkin | record_car13 = Bentley Blower | record_year13 = 1930 | record_class13 = Sports prototype | layout14 = Circuit de la Sarthe (1923–1928) | surface14 = Tarmac | length14_km = 17.262 | length14_mi = 10.726 | turns14 = 16 | record_time14 = 8:07.000 | record_driver14 = {{flagicon|GBR}} Henry Birkin | record_car14 = Bentley 4½ Litre | record_year14 = 1928 | record_class14 = Sports prototype }}

The '''Circuit de la Sarthe''',<ref>[http://www.lemans.org/explorer/pdf/courses/2016/24-heures-du-mans/regulations/2016-24-heures-du-mans-specific-regulations.pdf Official rules for 2016] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617002230/http://www.lemans.org/explorer/pdf/courses/2016/24-heures-du-mans/regulations/2016-24-heures-du-mans-specific-regulations.pdf |date=2016-06-17 }} 3.1.2 24 HEURES DU MANS ... La course se déroule les samedi 18 et dimanche 19 juin 2016 sur le circuit des 24 Heures du Mans. Longueur du circuit : 13,629 km</ref> known for its '''Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans''' variation after the 24 hours semi-permanent circuit,<ref name="ACO Hompage 24 Heures">{{cite web | url = http://www.lemans.org/en/aco/infrastructures/circuits-24-heures.html | title = ACO Homepage 24 Heures | publisher = ACO | access-date = 2011-07-05 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110705234547/http://www.lemans.org/en/aco/infrastructures/circuits-24-heures.html | archive-date = 2011-07-05 }}</ref> located in Le Mans, Sarthe, France, is a permanent auto sport circuit. It is the host of the 24 Hours of Le Mans auto race and widely known as the site of the 1955 Le Mans disaster, the most deadly event in motorsport history.

The track comprises a combination of private, race-specific sections of track in addition to public roads used only during the 24 Hours of Le Mans which remain accessible most of the year. Its present 24 hour configuration is {{cvt|13.626|km|mi|abbr=on}} long, making it one of the longest circuits in the world. The capacity of the permanent race track the short ''Bugatti Circuit'' is 100,000. The Musée des 24 Heures du Mans is a motorsport museum for the 24 hours of Le Mans located at the main entrance of the venue.

Up to 85% of the 24 hour circuit lap time is spent on full throttle, putting immense stress on engine and drivetrain components.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomson |first=Laura |date=2019-04-26 |title=The world's Top 5 coolest street circuits |url=https://www.goodwood.com/grr/f1/the-worlds-top-5-coolest-street-circuits/ |access-date=2025-08-02 |website=Goodwood |language=en-GB}}</ref> Additionally, the times spent reaching maximum speed also mean tremendous wear on the brakes and suspension as cars must slow from over {{cvt|322|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} to around {{cvt|100|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} for the sharp corner at the village of Mulsanne.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}

==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 over the years, the Sarthe circuit remains very fast, with prototype cars achieving average lap speeds in excess of {{cvt|240|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.

In the 1920s, the cars drove from the present pits on ''Rue de Laigné'' straight into the city, then took a sharp right-hand corner near the river Huisne Pontlieue bridge (a hairpin removed from the circuit in 1929). They left the city on the rather straight section now named ''Avenue Georges Durand'' after the race's founder. Then {{cvt|17.261|km|mi|abbr=on}} long and unpaved, a bypass within the city shortened the track in 1929. The city was bypassed completely in 1932 with the addition of the section from the pits via the Dunlop Bridge and the Esses to Tertre Rouge. This classic configuration was {{cvt|13.492|km|mi|abbr=on}} long and remained almost unaltered even after the 1955 tragedy. Its frighteningly narrow pit straight was further narrowed to make room for the pits and was part of the road itself, without the road becoming wider around the pits, and no separation. The pit straight then was about {{cvt|12|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} wide, further widened in 1956 after the tragedy, but the race track and pits were not separated for another 15 years.

thumb|Dunlop Bridge in 1977

Car speeds increased dramatically in the 1960s, pushing the limits of the "classic circuit" and sparking criticism of the track as being unsafe after drivers died during trials. In 1965, a smaller Bugatti Circuit was added which shares the pit lane facilities and the first corner (including the famous Dunlop bridge) with the full "Le Mans" circuit. For the 1968 race, the Ford chicane was added before the pits to slow down the cars. The circuit was fitted with Armco barriers for the 1969 race. The "Maison Blanche" kink was particularly harrowing, claiming many cars over the years (including three Ferrari 512 variants) and several lives, including the legendary John Woolfe in 1969 behind the wheel of a Porsche 917. The circuit has been modified ten more times — 1971, a year when prototypes were averaging over {{cvt|240|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, was the last year the classic circuit was used. That year, an Armco barrier was added to the pit straight to separate the track from the pits. In 1972, the race track was considerably revamped, at a cost of 300 million francs, with modification of the pit area and the first and final straights, the addition of the quick Porsche curves bypassing "Maison Blanche", the signalling area being moved to the exit of the slow Mulsanne corner, and the track being resurfaced.

thumb|right|The esses after the Dunlop Bridge

In 1979, due to the construction of a new public road, the profile of "Tertre Rouge" had to be changed. This redesign led to a faster double-apex corner and saw the removal of the second Dunlop Bridge. In 1986, construction of a new roundabout at the Mulsanne corner demanded the addition a new portion of track in order to avoid the roundabout. This created a right hand kink before Mulsanne corner. In 1987, a chicane was added to the very fast Dunlop curve, where cars would go under the Dunlop bridge at {{cvt|180|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Now they would be slowed to {{cvt|110|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.

[[File:United-autosports-le-mans-test-087.jpg|thumb|left|Part of the Mulsanne Straight]]

Le Mans was most famous for its {{cvt|6|km|mi|abbr=on}} long straight, called ''Ligne Droite des Hunaudières'', a part of the ''route départementale'' (for the Sarthe ''département'') D338 (formerly Route Nationale N138). 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. The Porsche 917 ''long tail'', used from 1969 to 1971, had reached {{cvt|362|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.{{sfn|Fuller|2010}} After engine size was limited, the top speed dropped until powerful turbo engines were allowed, like in the 1978 Porsche 935, which was clocked at {{cvt|367|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Leffingwell|first1=Randy|title=Porsche 911: Perfection by Design|date=2005|publisher=Motorbooks|page=155}}</ref> Speeds on the straight by the Group C prototypes reached over {{cvt|400|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} during the late 1980s. At the beginning of the 1988 24 Hours of Le Mans race, Roger Dorchy driving for Welter Racing in a "Project 400" car, which sacrificed reliability for speed, was clocked by radar travelling at {{cvt|407|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. Jean-Louis Lafosse and Jo Gartner would ultimately suffer from fatal high speed accidents in 1981 and 1986, respectively, leading to concerns with the growing speeds on the {{cvt|3.7|mi|km|abbr=on}} straight.

As the combination of high speed and high downforce caused tyre and engine failures, two roughly equally spaced chicanes were consequently added to the Mulsanne Straight before the 1990 race to limit the maximum achievable speed.{{sfn|Speedhunters staff|2008}} The chicanes were also added because the FIA decreed it would no longer sanction a circuit which had a straight longer than {{cvt|2|km|mi|abbr=on}},{{sfn|RC staff|2015}} which is roughly the length of the ''Döttinger Höhe'' straight at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The fastest qualifying lap average speed though only dropped from {{convert|249.826 to 243.329|km/h|mi/h|abbr=on}} in 1992. In 1994, the Dunlop chicane was tightened.

In 2002, the run to the Esses was reconfigured in the wake of renovations to the Bugatti Circuit. The Le Mans circuit was changed between the Dunlop Bridge and Esses, with the straight now becoming a set of fast sweeping turns. This layout allowed for a better transition from the Le Mans circuit to the Bugatti circuit. This layout change would also require the track's infamous carnival to be moved near the Porsche curves, and in 2006, the ACO redeveloped the area between the Dunlop Curve and Tertre Rouge, moving the Dunlop Chicane in even tighter to create more run-off area, while also turning the area after the Dunlop Chicane into an even larger set of fast, sweeping turns, known as the Esses en route to Tertre Rouge. As part of the development, a new extended pit lane exit was created for the Bugatti Circuit. This second pit exit re-enters the track just beyond the Dunlop Chicane and before the Dunlop Bridge.

Following the fatal crash of Danish driver Allan Simonsen at the 2013 race at the exit of Tertre Rouge into D338, Tertre Rouge was re-profiled again. The radius was moved in approximately {{cvt|200|m|yd|abbr=on}} for safety reasons with new tyre barriers at the exit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/2014-24-hours-of-le-mans-work-continues-at-tertre-rouge_2_2_1746_15219.html|title=24 Hours of Le Mans - ACO - Automobile Club de l'Ouest|work=24h-lemans.com|access-date=19 June 2016}}</ref> The current version of the track has been in use since 2018.

<gallery> Image:Circuit De La Sarthe map.JPG|An on site map of the circuit Image:Dunlop curves 2006 run off modifications.JPG|The area before the Dunlop bridge, modified for 2006 Image:Circuit de la Sarthe Ford Chicanes.jpg|The Ford Chicanes Image:Mulsanne Le Mans.jpg|A large portion of the track still consists of Sarthe Route Départementale D338. Image:Le Mans location map.jpg|Circuit location between Le Mans and Mulsanne, France </gallery>

===Layout evolution of Circuit de la Sarthe=== <gallery> File:Circuit-de-la-sarthe-1906-(openstreetmap).png|Circuit de la Sarthe (1906) File:Circuit-de-la-sarthe-1911-1913-(openstreetmap).png|Circuit de la Sarthe (1911–1913) File:Circuit-de-la-sarthe-1906-1921-(openstreetmap).png|Comparison of Circuit de la Sarthe layouts between 1906 and 1921 File:Circuit de la Sarthe Le Mans 1921-1928.png|Circuit de la Sarthe (1921–1928) File:Circuit de la Sarthe Le Mans 1929-1931.png|Circuit de la Sarthe (1929–1931) File:Circuit de La Sarthe Le Mans 1932-1967.png|Circuit de la Sarthe (1932–1967) File:Circuit de la Sarthe Le Mans 1968-1971.png|Circuit de la Sarthe (1968–1971) File:Circuit de la Sarthe Le Mans 1972-1978.png|Circuit de la Sarthe (1972–1978) File:Circuit de la Sarthe Le Mans 1979-1985.png|Circuit de la Sarthe (1979–1985) File:Circuit de la Sarthe Le Mans 1986.png|Circuit de la Sarthe (1986) File:Circuit de la Sarthe Le Mans 1987-1989.png|Circuit de la Sarthe (1987–1989) File:Circuit de la Sarthe Le Mans 1990-2001.png|Circuit de la Sarthe (1990–2001) File:Circuit de la Sarthe track map.svg|Circuit de la Sarthe (2002–present) File:Le Mans Circuit comparison.png|Layout evolution of Circuit de la Sarthe </gallery>

==Lap records== {| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%;" |- style="background:#CCCCCC;" ! Years ! Record year ! Distance record ! Average race speed ! Lap record (in race) ! Driver – car ! Lap record (qualifying) ! Driver – car |- |-style="background:#CCCFFF;" !colspan=11|Circuit N°1 – {{cvt|17.262|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- ! 1923–1928 | 1928 | {{cvt|2,669.27|km|mi|abbr=on}} Bentley 4½ Litre | {{cvt|111.219|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} | 8:07 ({{cvt|127.604|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 1928 | H.Birkin Bentley 4½ Litre | | |-style="background:#CCCFFF;" !colspan=11|Circuit N°2 – {{cvt|16.340|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- ! 1929–1931 | 1931 | {{cvt|3,017.654|km|mi|abbr=on}} Alfa Romeo 8C | {{cvt|125.735|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} | 6:48 ({{cvt|144.362|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 1930 | H.Birkin Bentley Blower | | |-style="background:#CCCFFF;" !colspan=11|Circuit N°3 – {{cvt|13.492|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- ! 1932–1955 | 1955 | {{cvt|4,135.38|km|mi|abbr=on}} Jaguar D | {{cvt|172.308|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} | 4:06.6 ({{cvt|196.963|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 1955 | M.Hawthorn Jaguar D | | |-style="background:#CCCFFF;" !colspan=11|Circuit N°4 – {{cvt|13.461|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- ! 1956–1967 | 1967 | {{cvt|5,232.9|km|mi|abbr=on}} Ford Mk IV | {{cvt|218.038|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} | 3:23.6 ({{cvt|238.014|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 1967 | M.Andretti & D.Hulme Ford Mk IV | 3:24.04 ({{cvt|236.082|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 1967 | B.McLaren Ford Mk IV |-style="background:#CCCFFF;" !colspan=11|Circuit N°5 – {{cvt|13.469|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- ! 1968–1971 | 1971 | {{cvt|5,335.31|km|mi|abbr=on}} Porsche 917 | {{cvt|222.304|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} | 3:18.4 ({{cvt|244.397|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 1971 | J.Oliver Porsche 917 | 3:13.9 ({{cvt|250.069|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 1971 | P. Rodríguez Porsche 917 |-style="background:#CCCFFF;" !colspan=11|Circuit N°6 – {{cvt|13.640|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- ! 1972–1978 | 1978 | {{cvt|5,044.53|km|mi|abbr=on}} Alpine-Renault A442 B | {{cvt|210.189|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} | 3:34.2 ({{cvt|229.244|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 1978 | J.P.Jabouille Alpine-Renault A443 | 3:27.6 ({{cvt|236.531|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 1978 | J.Ickx Porsche 936 |-style="background:#CCCFFF;" !colspan=11|Circuit N°7 – {{cvt|13.626|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- ! 1979–1985 | 1985 | {{cvt|5,088.51|km|mi|3|abbr=on}} Porsche 956 | {{cvt|212.021|km/h|mi/h|3|abbr=on}} | 3:25.1 ({{cvt|239.169|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 1985 | J.Mass Porsche 962 | 3:14.8 ({{cvt|251.815|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 1985 | H.Stuck Porsche 962 |-style="background:#CCCFFF;" !colspan=11|Circuit N°8 – {{cvt|13.528|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- ! 1986 | 1986 | {{cvt|4,972.73|km|mi|abbr=on}} Porsche 962 C | {{cvt|207.197|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} | 3:23.3 ({{cvt|239.551|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 1986 | K.Ludwig Porsche 956 | 3:15.99 ({{cvt|243.486|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 1986 | J.Mass Porsche 962 C |-style="background:#CCCFFF;" !colspan=11|Circuit N°9 – {{cvt|13.535|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- ! 1987–1989 | 1988 | {{cvt|5,332.79|km|mi|abbr=on}} Jaguar XJR9 | {{cvt|221.665|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} | 3:21.27 ({{cvt|242.093|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 1989 | A.Ferté Jaguar XJR9 | 3:15.04 ({{cvt|249.826|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 1989 | J.L.Schlesser Sauber Mercedes C9 |-style="background:#CCCFFF;" !colspan=11|Circuit N°10 – {{cvt|13.600|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- ! 1990–1996 | 1993 | {{cvt|5,100|km|mi|abbr=on}} Peugeot 905 | {{cvt|213.358|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} | 3:27.47 ({{cvt|235.986|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 1993 | E.Irvine Toyota TS010 | 3:21.209 ({{cvt|243.329|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 1992 | Ph.Alliot Peugeot 905 |-style="background:#CCCFFF;" !colspan=11|Circuit N°11 – {{cvt|13.605|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- ! 1997–2001 | 2000 | {{cvt|5,007.98|km|mi|abbr=on}} Audi R8 | {{cvt|208.666|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} | 3:35.032 ({{cvt|227.771|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 1999 | U.Katayama Toyota GT-One | 3:29.93 ({{cvt|233.306|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 1999 | M.Brundle Toyota GT-One |-style="background:#CCCFFF;" !colspan=11|Circuit N°12 – {{cvt|13.650|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- ! 2002–2005 | 2004 | {{cvt|5,169.97|km|mi|abbr=on}} Audi R8 | {{cvt|215.415|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} | 3:33.483 ({{cvt|230.182|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 2002 | T.Kristensen Audi R8 | 3:29.905 ({{cvt|234.106|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 2002 | R.Capello Audi R8 |-style="background:#CCCFFF;" !colspan=11|Circuit N°13 – {{cvt|13.650|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- ! 2006 | 2006 | {{cvt|5,187|km|mi|abbr=on}} Audi R10 TDI | {{cvt|215.409|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} | 3:31.211 ({{cvt|232.658|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 2006 | T.Kristensen Audi R10 TDI | 3:30.466 ({{cvt|233.482|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 2006 | R.Capello Audi R10 TDI |-style="background:#CCCFFF;" !colspan=11|Circuit N°14 – {{cvt|13.650|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- ! 2007–2017 | 2010 | {{cvt|5,410.71|km|mi|abbr=on}} Audi R15 TDI plus | {{cvt|225.228|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} | 3:17.475 ({{cvt|248.459|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 2015 | A.Lotterer Audi R18 e-tron quattro | 3:14.791 ({{cvt|251.882|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) in 2017 | K. Kobayashi Toyota TS050 Hybrid |-style="background:#CCCFFF;" !colspan=11|Circuit N°15 - {{cvt|13.626|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- ! Since 2018 | 2018 | {{cvt|5,286.88|km|mi|abbr=on}} Toyota TS050 Hybrid | {{cvt|220.015|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} | 3:17.297 ({{cvt|248.6|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} in 2019 | M. Conway Toyota TS050 Hybrid | 3:15.267 ({{cvt|251.21|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} in 2020 | K. Kobayashi Toyota TS050 Hybrid |}

=== Fastest race laps of Circuit de la Sarthe ===

As of June 2025, the fastest official race lap records at the Circuit de la Sarthe for different classes are listed as:

{| class="wikitable" !Category!!Time!!Driver!!Vehicle!!Event |- ! colspan=5 | Circuit de la Sarthe (2018–present): {{cvt|13.626|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- | LMP1 || '''3:17.297'''<ref>{{cite web |title=FIA WEC - 87o Edition des 24 Heures du Mans - Race - Final Classification by Class |url=http://fiawec.alkamelsystems.com/Results/08_2018-2019/08_LE%20MANS/276_FIA%20WEC/201906151500_Race/24_Hour%2024/05_ClassificationByClass_Race.pdf |publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) |website=fiawec.alkamelsystems.com |date=12 July 2019 |access-date=10 January 2023}}</ref> || Mike Conway || Toyota TS050 Hybrid || 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | LMDh || '''3:26.063'''<ref name='2025_24h_lemans_flaps'>{{cite web |title=FIA WEC - 93o Edition des 24 Heures du Mans - Race - Provisional Classification by Driver Fastest Lap |url=https://fiawec.alkamelsystems.com/Results/14_2025/04_LE%20MANS/600_FIA%20WEC/202506141600_Race/24_Hour%2024/07_FastestLapByDriver_Race_Hour%2024.PDF |publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) |website=fiawec.alkamelsystems.com |date=15 June 2025 |access-date=15 June 2025}}</ref> || Sébastien Bourdais || Cadillac V-Series.R || 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | LMH || '''3:26.562'''<ref name='2025_24h_lemans_flaps' /> || Robert Kubica || Ferrari 499P || 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | LMP2 || '''3:27.200'''<ref>{{cite web |title=FIA WEC - 86o Edition des 24 Heures du Mans - Race - Final Classification by Class |url=http://fiawec.alkamelsystems.com/Results/08_2018-2019/02_LE%20MANS/231_FIA%20WEC/201806161500_Race/Hour%2024/05_ClassificationByClass_Race.PDF |publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) |website=fiawec.alkamelsystems.com |date=2 October 2018 |access-date=11 June 2022}}</ref> || Nathanaël Berthon || Oreca 07 || 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | Garage 56 || '''3:37.066<ref name=":0" />''' || Matthieu Lahaye || Association SRT41 || 2021 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | LMP3 || '''3:46.374'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Road to Le Mans - 89o Edition des 24 Heures du Mans - Race 1 - Final Classification by Category |url=http://lemanscup.alkamelsystems.com/Results/05_2021/04_LE%20MANS/379_ROAD%20TO%20LE%20MANS/202108191930_Race%201/05_ClassificationByCategory_Race%201.PDF |date=19 August 2021 |access-date=21 August 2021}}</ref> || Laurents Hörr || Duqueine M30 D-08 || 2021 Road to Le Mans |- | LM GTE || '''3:47.501'''<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=FIA WEC - 89o Edition des 24 Heures du Mans - Race - Final Classification by Category |url=http://fiawec.alkamelsystems.com/Results/10_2021/04_LE%20MANS/378_FIA%20WEC/202108211600_Race/24_Hour%2024/05_ClassificationByCategory_Race_Hour%2024.PDF |publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) |website=fiawec.alkamelsystems.com |date=22 August 2021 |access-date=11 June 2022}}</ref> || Alexander Sims || Chevrolet Corvette C8.R || 2021 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | GT3 || '''3:54.340'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Road to Le Mans - 89o Edition des 24 Heures du Mans - Race 2 - Final Classification by Category |url=http://lemanscup.alkamelsystems.com/Results/05_2021/04_LE%20MANS/379_ROAD%20TO%20LE%20MANS/202108211215_Race%202/05_ClassificationByCategory_Race%202.PDF |date=21 August 2021 |access-date=21 August 2021}}</ref> || Charles Weerts || Audi R8 LMS Evo || 2021 Road to Le Mans |- | Lamborghini Super Trofeo || '''3:56.694'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe - 92o Edition des 24 Heures du Mans - Race 1 (45 Minutes) - Final Classification |url=http://fiawec.alkamelsystems.com/Results/13_2024/04_LE%20MANS/542_Lamborghini%20Super%20Trofeo/202406131315_Race%201/03_Classification_Race%201.PDF |publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) |website=fiawec.alkamelsystems.com |date=13 June 2024 |access-date=13 June 2024}}</ref> || Amaury Bonduel || Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo Evo 2 || 2024 Le Mans Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe round |- | Ferrari Challenge || '''3:59.985'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Ferrari Challenge - 91o Edition des 24 Heures du Mans - Race (35 Minutes) - Final Classification |url=http://ferrarichallenge.alkamelsystems.com/Results/02_Europe/11_2023/04_LE%20MANS/04_RACE/03_Classification_Race.PDF |date=10 June 2023 |access-date=10 June 2023}}</ref> || Thomas Neubauer || Ferrari 488 Challenge || 2023 Le Mans Ferrari Challenge Europe round |- | Porsche Carrera Cup || '''4:00.181'''<ref>{{cite web |title=2023 Porsche Carrera Cup - 91o Edition des 24 Heures du Mans - Race (45 Minutes) - Final Classification |url=http://fiawec.alkamelsystems.com/Results/12_2023/04_LE%20MANS/475_Porsche%20Carrera%20Cup/202306101045_Race/03_Classification_Race.PDF |publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) |website=fiawec.alkamelsystems.com |date=10 June 2023 |access-date=10 June 2023}}</ref> || Alessandro Ghiretti || Porsche 911 (992 I) GT3 Cup || 2023 Le Mans Porsche Carrera Cup France round |- | JS P4 || '''4:05.688'''<ref name='2022_ligier_lemans'>{{cite web |title=2022 Ligier European Series - 90o Edition des 24 Heures du Mans - Race 1 - Provisional Classification by Category |url=http://ligiereuropeanseries.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/05_ClassificationByCategory_Race-1-1.pdf |date=10 June 2022 |access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> || Gillian Henrion || Ligier JS P4 || 2022 Le Mans Ligier European Series round |- | GT4 || '''4:09.985'''<ref>{{cite web |title=2025 Porsche Sprint Challenge - 93º Edition des 24 Heures du Mans - After Race 2 - Final Classification by Fastest Lap |url=https://fiawec.alkamelsystems.com/Results/14_2025/04_LE%20MANS/604_Porsche%20Sprint%20Challenge/202506130930_Race%202/07_FastestLapAfter_Race%202.PDF |publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) |website=fiawec.alkamelsystems.com |date=13 June 2025 |access-date=14 June 2025}}</ref> || {{ill|Julien Piguet|fr}} || Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport || 2025 1st Le Mans Porsche Sprint Challenge France round |- | JS2 R || '''4:18.803'''<ref name='2022_ligier_lemans' /> || Hugo Rosati || Ligier JS2 R || 2022 Le Mans Ligier European Series round |- | Mustang Challenge || '''4:19.559'''<ref>{{cite web |title=2025 Mustang Challenge Le Mans Invitational - 93º Edition des 24 Heures du Mans - Race 2 (45 Minutes) - Final Classification |url=https://fiawec.alkamelsystems.com/Results/14_2025/04_LE%20MANS/605_Mustang%20Challenge%20Le%20Mans%20Invitational/202506140845_Race%202/03_Classification_Race%202.PDF |publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) |website=fiawec.alkamelsystems.com |date=14 June 2025 |access-date=14 June 2025}}</ref> || Robert Noaker || Ford Mustang Dark Horse R || 2025 Mustang Challenge Le Mans Invitational |- ! colspan=5 | Circuit de la Sarthe (2007–2017): {{cvt|13.629|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- | LMP1 || '''3:17.475'''<ref>{{cite web |title=FIA WEC - 83o Edition des 24 Heures du Mans - Race - Final Classification by Class |url=http://fiawec.alkamelsystems.com/Results/05_2015/03_LE%20MANS/86_FIA%20WEC/201506131500_Race/24_Hour%2024/05_ClassificationByClass_Race.PDF |publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) |website=fiawec.alkamelsystems.com |date=14 June 2015 |access-date=11 June 2022}}</ref> || André Lotterer || Audi R18 || 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | LMP2 || '''3:28.632'''<ref name='2017_24h_lemans'>{{cite web |title=FIA WEC - 85o Edition des 24 Heures du Mans - Race - Final Classification by Class |url=http://fiawec.alkamelsystems.com/Results/07_2017/03_LE%20MANS/171_FIA%20WEC/201706171500_Race/24_Hour%2024/05_ClassificationByClass_Race.PDF |publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) |website=fiawec.alkamelsystems.com |date=5 November 2017 |access-date=11 June 2022}}</ref> || Ho-Pin Tung || Oreca 07 || 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | Garage 56|| '''3:45.737'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=FIA WEC - 80o Edition des 24 Heures du Mans - Race - Final Classification |url=http://www.lemans.org/wpphpFichiers/1/1/ressources/Pdf/2012/24-heures-du-mans/classification/race/24-heures-du-mans-2012-classifcation-after-24h.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328040207/http://www.lemans.org/wpphpFichiers/1/1/ressources/Pdf/2012/24-heures-du-mans/classification/race/24-heures-du-mans-2012-classifcation-after-24h.pdf |website=www.lemans.org |date=17 June 2012 |archive-date=28 March 2013 |access-date=11 July 2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref> || Michael Krumm || DeltaWing || 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | GT1 (GTS) || '''3:48.969'''<ref>{{cite web |title=24 Heures du Mans 16-17 Juin 2007 |url=http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/chronos/pdf/course/chronos_24h2007.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927033111/http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/chronos/pdf/course/chronos_24h2007.pdf |date=17 June 2007 |archive-date=27 September 2007 |access-date=13 November 2022 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Palmares de Tomas Enge aux 24H du Mans |url=http://www.les24heures.fr/database-24h/FR/PAGE_24h_mans_pilote_lm.php?P1=2843 |access-date=13 November 2022}}</ref> || Tomáš Enge<ref>{{cite web |title=Driver of 24 heures du Mans : Tomas Enge |url=https://www.24h-en-piste.com/en/AfficherPilote.php?Pilote=882 |access-date=13 November 2022}}</ref> || Aston Martin DBR9 || 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | LMP3 || '''3:50.576'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Road to Le Mans - 85o Edition des 24 Heures du Mans - Race 2 - Final Classification by Class |url=http://lemanscup.alkamelsystems.com/Results/01_2017/02_LE%20MANS/169_ROAD%20TO%20LE%20MANS/201706171015_Race%202/Race/05_ClassificationByClass_Race%202.PDF |date=17 June 2017 |access-date=11 June 2022}}</ref> || Yann Ehrlacher || Norma M30 || 2017 Road to Le Mans |- | LM GTE || '''3:50.950'''<ref name='2017_24h_lemans' /> || Daniel Serra || Aston Martin Vantage GT2 || 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | GT3 || '''3:56.040'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Road to Le Mans - 85o Edition des 24 Heures du Mans - Race 1 - Final Classification by Class |url=http://lemanscup.alkamelsystems.com/Results/01_2017/02_LE%20MANS/169_ROAD%20TO%20LE%20MANS/201706151730_Race%201/Race/05_ClassificationByClass_Race%201.PDF |date=15 June 2017 |access-date=11 June 2022}}</ref> || Ben Barker || Porsche 911 (991) GT3 R || 2017 Road to Le Mans |- | Porsche Carrera Cup || '''4:04.514'''<ref>{{cite web |title=82o Edition des 24 Heures du Mans - Le Mans Porsche Cup - Race 2 (45') - Provisional Classification |url=http://fiawec.alkamelsystems.com/Results/04_2014/03_LE%20MANS/Le%20Mans%20Porsche%20Cup/201406141115_Race/03_Classification_Race.PDF |publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) |website=fiawec.alkamelsystems.com |date=14 June 2014 |access-date=10 January 2023}}</ref> || Kévin Estre || Porsche 911 (991 I) GT3 Cup || 2014 Le Mans Porsche Cup |- | Ferrari Challenge || '''4:05.134'''<ref>{{cite web |title=81o Edition des 24 Heures du Mans - Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli - Race (45') - Final Classification |url=http://fiawec.alkamelsystems.com/Results/03_2013/03_LE%20MANS/14_FERRARI%20CHALLENGE%20TROFEO%20PIRELLI/201306221115_Race/03_Classification_Race.PDF |publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) |website=fiawec.alkamelsystems.com |date=22 June 2013 |access-date=11 June 2022}}</ref> || Jeff Segal || Ferrari 458 Challenge || 2013 Le Mans Ferrari Challenge Europe round |- ! colspan=5 | Circuit de la Sarthe (2002–2006): {{cvt|13.650|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- | LMP1 || '''3:31.211'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 2006 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-2006-06-18.html |date=18 June 2006 |access-date=11 June 2022}}</ref> || Tom Kristensen || Audi R10 TDI || 2006 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | LMP900 || '''3:33.483'''<ref name='2002_24h_lemans'>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 2002 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-2002-06-16.html |date=16 June 2002 |access-date=11 June 2022}}</ref> || Tom Kristensen || Audi R8 || 2002 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | LMGTP || '''3:35.529'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 2003 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-2003-06-15.html |date=15 June 2003 |access-date=11 June 2022}}</ref> || Johnny Herbert || Bentley Speed 8 || 2003 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | LMP2 || '''3:35.883'''<ref name='le_mans_2006'>{{cite web |title=74th Le Mans 24 Hours - Hours 22, 23 & 24 |url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/archive/subscribers/lemans/2006/race/race_2224.htm |date=18 June 2006 |access-date=14 November 2022}}</ref> || William Binnie || Lola B05/40 || 2006 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | LMP675 || '''3:37.221'''<ref name='2002_24h_lemans' /> || Mark Blundell || MG-Lola EX257 || 2002 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | GT1 (GTS) || '''3:51.422'''<ref name='2005_24h_lemans'>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 2005 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-2005-06-19.html |date=19 June 2005 |access-date=11 June 2022}}</ref> || Darren Turner || Aston Martin DBR9 || 2005 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | GT2 || '''4:04.426'''<ref>{{cite web |title=24 Heures LE MANS -- Race Times 10.50 a.m |url=https://www.automobilsport.com/race-categories--24,33291,24-Heures-LE-MANS----Race-Times-10-50-a-m,news.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114055845/https://www.automobilsport.com/race-categories--24,33291,24-Heures-LE-MANS----Race-Times-10-50-a-m,news.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-date=14 November 2022 |date=18 June 2006 |access-date=14 November 2022}}</ref> || Romain Dumas || Porsche 911 (996) GT3-RSR || 2006 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | GT2 || '''4:06.306'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 2004 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-2004-06-13.html |date=13 June 2004 |access-date=12 June 2022}}</ref> || Sascha Maassen || Porsche 911 (996) GT3 RSR || 2004 24 Hours of Le Mans |- ! colspan=5 | Circuit de la Sarthe (1997–2001): {{cvt|13.605|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- | LMGTP || '''3:35.032'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 1999 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-1999-06-13.html |date=13 June 1999 |access-date=11 June 2022}}</ref> || Ukyo Katayama || Toyota GT-One || 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | LMP900 || '''3:37.359'''<ref name='2000_24h_lemans'>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 2000 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-2000-06-18.html |date=18 June 2000 |access-date=11 June 2022}}</ref> || Allan McNish || Audi R8 || 2000 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | GT1 (Prototype) || '''3:41.809'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 1998 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-1998-06-07.html |date=7 June 1998 |access-date=14 November 2022}}</ref> || Martin Brundle || Toyota GT-One || 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | LMP675 || '''3:52.156'''<ref name='2000_24h_lemans' /> || Jean-Christophe Boullion || Reynard 2KQ || 2000 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | GT1 (GTS) || '''3:58.862'''<ref name='2000_24h_lemans' /> || Ron Fellows || Chevrolet Corvette C5-R || 2000 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | GT || '''4:16.660'''<ref name='2000_24h_lemans' /> || Christophe Bouchut || Porsche 911 (996) GT3-R || 2000 24 Hours of Le Mans |- ! colspan=5 | Circuit de la Sarthe (1990–1996): {{cvt|13.600|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- | Group C1 || '''3:27.470'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 1993 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-1993-06-20.html |date=20 June 1993 |access-date=11 June 2022}}</ref> || Eddie Irvine || Toyota TS010 || 1993 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | WSC || '''3:46.958'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 1996 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-1996-06-16.html |date=16 June 1996 |access-date=11 June 2022}}</ref> || Eric van de Poele || Ferrari 333 SP || 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | IMSA GTP || '''3:47.330'''<ref name='1990_24h_lemans'>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 1990 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-1990-06-17.html |date=17 June 1990 |access-date=11 June 2022}}</ref> || Volker Weidler || Mazda 787 || 1990 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | GT1 || '''3:48.778'''<ref name='1996_24h_lemans'>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 1996 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-1996-06-16.html |date=16 June 1996 |access-date=10 January 2023}}</ref> || Yannick Dalmas || Porsche 911 GT1 || 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | LMP2 || '''3:51.410'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 1995 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-1995-06-18.html |date=18 June 1995 |access-date=11 June 2022}}</ref> || Patrick Gonin || WR LM94 || 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | Group C2 || '''3:58.270'''<ref name='1990_24h_lemans' /> || Charles Zwolsman || Spice SE90C || 1990 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | GT2 || '''4:12.074'''<ref name='1996_24h_lemans' /> || Ralf Kelleners || Porsche 911 (993) GT2 || 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans |- ! colspan=5 | Circuit de la Sarthe (1987–1989): {{cvt|13.535|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- | Group C1 || '''3:21.270'''<ref name='1989_24h_lemans'>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 1989 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-1989-06-11.html |date=11 June 1989 |access-date=11 June 2022}}</ref> || Alain Ferté || Jaguar XJR-9 || 1989 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | IMSA GTP || '''3:28.520'''<ref name='1989_24h_lemans' /> || Takashi Yorino || Mazda 767B || 1989 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | Group C2 || '''3:41.730'''<ref name='1989_24h_lemans' /> || Nick Adams || Spice SE89C || 1989 24 Hours of Le Mans |- ! colspan=5 | Circuit de la Sarthe (1986): {{cvt|13.528|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- | Group C1 || '''3:23.300'''<ref name='1986_24h_lemans'>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 1986 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-1986-06-01.html |date=1 June 1986 |access-date=11 June 2022}}</ref> || Klaus Ludwig || Porsche 956B || 1986 24 Hours of Le Mans |- ! colspan=5 | Circuit de la Sarthe (1979–1985): {{cvt|13.626|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- | Group C1 || '''3:25.100'''<ref name='1985_24h_lemans'>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 1985 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-1985-06-16.html |date=16 June 1985 |access-date=12 June 2022}}</ref> || Jochen Mass || Porsche 962C || 1985 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | Group 6 || '''3:34.000'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 1981 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-1981-06-14.html |date=14 June 1981 |access-date=12 June 2022}}</ref> || Hurley Haywood || Porsche 936/81 || 1981 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | IMSA GTP || '''3:36.600'''<ref name='1985_24h_lemans' /> || Bob Tullius || Jaguar XJR-5 || 1985 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | Group C2 || '''3:47.700'''<ref name='1985_24h_lemans' /> || David Leslie || Ecosse C285 || 1985 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | Group B || '''4:02.300'''<ref name='1985_24h_lemans' /> || Harald Grohs || BMW M1 || 1985 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | IMSA GTO || '''4:13.300'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 1984 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-1984-06-17.html |date=17 June 1984 |access-date=12 June 2022}}</ref> || Jean-Marie Alméras || Porsche 930 || 1984 24 Hours of Le Mans |- ! colspan=5 | Circuit de la Sarthe (1972–1978): {{cvt|13.640|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- | Group 6 || '''3:34.200'''<ref name='1978_24h_lemans'>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 1978 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-1978-06-11.html |date=11 June 1978 |access-date=12 June 2022}}</ref> || Jean-Pierre Jabouille || Renault Alpine A443 || 1978 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | Group 5 || '''3:39.600'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 1973 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-1973-06-10.html |date=10 June 1973 |access-date=12 June 2022}}</ref> || François Cevert || Matra-Simca MS670B || 1973 24 Hours of Le Mans |- ! colspan=5 | Circuit de la Sarthe: 13.469 km (1968–1971) |- | Group 5 || '''3:18.400'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 1971 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-1971-06-13.html |date=13 June 1971 |access-date=12 June 2022}}</ref> || Jackie Oliver || Porsche 917L || 1971 24 Hours of Le Mans |- | Group 6 || '''3:38.100'''<ref name='1968_24h_lemans'>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 1968 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-1968-09-29.html |date=29 September 1968 |access-date=12 June 2022}}</ref> || Rolf Stommelen || Porsche 908 || 1968 24 Hours of Le Mans |- ! colspan=5 | Circuit de la Sarthe (1956–1967): {{cvt|13.461|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- | Group 4 || '''3:23.600'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 1967 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-1967-06-11.html |date=11 June 1967 |access-date=12 June 2022}}</ref> || Mario Andretti{{efn|name=1967 24h Le Mans|Both drivers took the same lap time independently.}} Denny Hulme{{efn|name=1967 24h Le Mans|Both drivers took the same lap time independently.}} || Ford GT40 Mk IV{{efn|name=1967 24h Le Mans|Both drivers took the same lap time independently.}} || 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans |- ! colspan=5 | Circuit de la Sarthe (1932–1955): {{cvt|13.492|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- | Sports prototype || '''4:06.600'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 1955 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-1955-06-12.html |date=12 June 1955 |access-date=12 June 2022}}</ref> || Mike Hawthorn || Jaguar D-Type || 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans |- ! colspan=5 | Circuit de la Sarthe (1929–1931): {{cvt|16.340|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- | Sports prototype || '''6:48.000'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 1930 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-1930-06-22.html |date=22 June 1930 |access-date=12 June 2022}}</ref> || Henry Birkin || Bentley Blower || 1930 24 Hours of Le Mans |- ! colspan=5 | Circuit de la Sarthe (1923–1928): {{cvt|17.262|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- | Sports prototype || '''8:07.000'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 24 Hours 1928 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-1928-06-17.html |date=17 June 1928 |access-date=12 June 2022}}</ref> || Henry Birkin || Bentley 4½ Litre || 1928 24 Hours of Le Mans |- |}

==Speed record== In 1988, Team WM Peugeot were well aware of their slim chance of winning the 24-hour endurance race outright, but they knew that their Welter Racing designed car had exceptional straight line aerodynamics. Thus they nicknamed their 1988 entry "Project 400" (aiming to be the first car to achieve a speed of {{cvt|400|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} on the famous straight), although the official team entry was named WM Secateva.

Roger Dorchy and Claude Haldi would be the drivers of car 51 while Pascal Pessiot and Jean-Daniel Raulet would drive the team's other car (#52). The latter lasted only 22 laps, and car 51 went into the pits around 17:00 in the afternoon with engine problems. After spending 3.5 hours in the pits, the team had the car back on the track and they decided to go for it. The plan worked: with Roger Dorchy behind the wheel the WM P87 achieved the speed of {{cvt|407|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. The Peugeot retired shortly after that (on lap 59) with an overheating engine. By then it had outlasted two other Group C1 entrants.<ref name="roadandtrack.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/news/a29904/in-1988-a-renegade-le-mans-team-broke-the-record-at-the-mulsanne-straight/|title=In 1988, a Renegade Le Mans Team Broke The Record At The Mulsanne Straight|work=roadandtrack.com|date=10 July 2016 |access-date=7 June 2017}}</ref>

Since Peugeot had just launched its new model 405, the team agreed to advertise the new record as "405". This has led to many people mistakenly stating the record as only {{cvt|405|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, but Dorchy's best run down the Mulsanne straight was clocked at {{cvt|407|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref name="roadandtrack.com"/>

==Bugatti Circuit==

{{Motorsport venue | name = Bugatti Circuit | nicknames = | location = Le Mans, Pays de la Loire, France | coordinates = | fia_grade = 2 (Bugatti) | image = class=skin-invert|250px|right|Bugatti Circuit | image_caption = Bugatti Circuit (2002–present) | capacity = | owner = Automobile Club de l'Ouest Ville du Mans | operator = Automobile Club de l'Ouest | broke_ground = | opened = 1965 | closed = | construction_cost = | architect = | former_names = | events = '''Current:''' '''Grand Prix motorcycle racing''' ''French motorcycle Grand Prix'' (1969–1970, 1976, 1979, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989–1990, 1994–1995, 2000–present) ''Vitesse du Mans motorcycle Grand Prix'' (1991) '''FIM EWC''' ''24 Hours of Le Mans Moto'' (1978–present) '''ETRC''' ''24 Heures Camions Le Mans'' (2003–present) '''Sidecar World Championship''' (1969–1970, 1976, 1979, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989–1991, 1995, 2007–2019, 2021–2022, 2024–present) '''Former:''' World SBK (1988, 1990) DTM (2006, 2008) World Series by Renault (2005–2006, 2008–2009, 2015) F3000 (1986–1991) Formula One ''French Grand Prix'' (1967) | layout = Bugatti Circuit (2002–present) | surface = Tarmac | length_km = 4.185 | length_mi = 2.600 | turns = 14 | record_time = 1:22.981 | record_driver = {{flagicon|FRA|1974}} Matthieu Vaxivière | record_car = Dallara T12 | record_year = 2015 | record_class = FR 3.5 | layout2 = Bugatti Circuit (1989–2001) | length2_km = 4.430 | length2_mi = 2.753 | turns2 = 11 | record_time2 = 1:33.210 | record_driver2 = {{flagicon|FRA|1974}} Philippe Gache | record_car2 = Lola T89/50 | record_year2 = 1990 | record_class2 = F3000 | layout3 = Bugatti Circuit (1986–1988) | length3_km = 4.240 | length3_mi = 2.635 | turns3 = 11 | record_time3 = 1:29.200 | record_driver3 = {{flagicon|ITA|1946}} Emanuele Pirro | record_car3 = March 86B | record_year3 = 1986 | record_class3 = F3000 | layout4 = Bugatti Circuit (1965–1985) | length4_km = 4.422 | length4_mi = 2.748 | turns4 = 8 | record_time4 = 1:36.620 | record_driver4 = {{flagicon|FRA|1974}} Pierre Petit | record_car4 = Martini MK31 | record_year4 = 1981 | record_class4 = F3 }}

Bugatti Circuit is a {{cvt|4.185|km|mi|abbr=on}} 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 Tyres bridge is located. At this point in the overlapping section of the tracks there is a left-right sweep that was added for motorcycle safety in 2002. Vehicles turning to the left continue onto the Circuit des 24 Heures, toward Tertre Rouge and Mulsanne, vehicles turning to the right at La Chapelle will continue the Bugatti Circuit. The infield section features Garage Vert, a back straight, the 'S' du Garage Bleu, and Raccordement, which joins back at the Ford chicane.

The track was home base for Pescarolo Sport, founded by famous French driver Henri Pescarolo. The circuit currently hosts the 24 Hours of Le Mans motorcycle race, and a round of the MotoGP Championship. The circuit also holds French motor club races and in the past has hosted rounds of the International Formula 3000 Championship and DTM (German Touring Car series).

In addition to motor racing, it is the venue for the [http://www.24rollers.com 24 rollers], a 24h race on inline skates or quads.

The Bugatti Circuit was used for the 1967 French Grand Prix, though it would prove to be the only time the Formula One World Championship would use the circuit, and is the current host of the French motorcycle Grand Prix. It also forms the final round of the FIA European Truck Racing Championship, and was part of the World Series by Renault and 1988 Superbike World Championship seasons.

=== Fastest race laps of Bugatti Circuit ===

As of May 2026, the fastest official race lap records at the Bugatti Circuit are listed as:

{| class="wikitable" !Category!!Time!!Driver!!Vehicle!!Event |- ! colspan=5 | Bugatti Circuit (2002–present): {{cvt|4.185|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- | Formula Renault 3.5 || '''1:22.981'''<ref>{{cite web |title=2015 Le Mans Formula Renault 3.5 - Race 2 (40' +1 lap) - Final Classification |url=http://rsseries.alkamelsystems.com/Results/22_2015/08_LE%20MANS/62_FORMULA%20RENAULT%203.5/201509271330_RACE%202/03_Classification_RACE%202.PDF |date=27 September 2015 |access-date=30 April 2024}}</ref> || Matthieu Vaxivière || Dallara T12 || 2015 Le Mans Formula Renault 3.5 Series round |- | Formula One || '''1:26.367'''<ref>{{cite web |title=2002 NDS EuroBOSS Championship - Round 8: Le Mans, 27th October |url=http://www.dlg.speedfreaks.org/archive/2002/ebf1.html |date=27 October 2002 |access-date=1 December 2022}}</ref> || Earl Goddard || Benetton B194 || 2002 Le Mans EuroBOSS round |- | LMP900 || '''1:30.518'''<ref name='2003_lemans_1000km'>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 1000 Kilometres 2003 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-2003-11-09.html |date=9 November 2003 |access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref> || Tom Kristensen || Audi R8 || 2003 1000 km of Le Mans |- | DTM || '''1:30.713'''<ref>{{cite web |title=DTM 2006 » Le Mans Round 9 Results |url=https://www.touringcars.net/database/race.php?id=1961 |date=15 October 2006 |access-date=15 July 2022}}</ref> || Mika Häkkinen || AMG-Mercedes C-Klasse 2006 || 2006 Le Mans DTM round |- | Formula Three || '''1:30.946'''<ref>{{cite web |title=2008 Formula 3 Euro Series Le Mans Race 1 Statistics |url=https://motorsportstats.com/results/formula-3-euro-series/2008/le-mans/stats/race-1 |date=5 October 2008 |access-date=6 January 2023}}</ref> || Nico Hülkenberg || Dallara F308 || 2008 Le Mans F3 Euro Series round |- | MotoGP || '''1:31.107''' || Enea Bastianini || Ducati Desmosedici GP24 || 2024 French motorcycle Grand Prix |- | LMP3 || '''1:31.139'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Ultimate Cup Series Round #4 - Le Mans Circuit - September 11-12 2021 - Challenge Proto 3H Endurance - Final Classification |url=https://www.its-results.com/ucs/2021/0b155d45-7fac-40c0-a741-122bf96316aa |date=12 September 2021 |access-date=6 January 2023}}</ref> || Julian Kuwabara Wagg || Ligier JS P320 || 2021 Le Mans Ultimate Cup round |- | Sports prototype || '''1:31.843'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Le Mans 4 Hours 2016 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-2016-04-24.html |date=24 April 2016 |access-date=6 January 2023}}</ref> || Colin White<ref>{{cite web |title=Challenge Endurance PFV V de V 2016 standings |url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/v-de-v-challenge-endurance-moderne-pfv/2016/ |access-date=6 January 2023}}</ref> || Ginetta G57 || 2016 Le Mans V de V Endurance Series round |- | Renault Sport Trophy || '''1:33.503'''<ref>{{cite web |title=2015 Le Mans Renault Sport Trophy - Elite Race (25' +1 lap) - Final Classification |url=http://rsseries.alkamelsystems.com/Results/22_2015/08_LE%20MANS/65_RENAULT%20SPORT%20TROPHY%20Elite/201509271615_RACE/03_Classification_RACE.PDF |date=27 September 2015 |access-date=1 August 2023}}</ref> || {{ill|Pieter Schothorst|nl}} || Renault Sport R.S. 01 || 2015 Le Mans Renault Sport Trophy round |- | Formula Renault 2.0 || '''1:33.846'''<ref>{{cite web |title=2015 Le Mans - Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup - Race 2 (25' +1 lap) - Final Classification |url=http://rsseries.alkamelsystems.com/Results/22_2015/08_LE%20MANS/63_FORMULA%20RENAULT%202.0%20EUROCUP/201509271500_RACE%202/03_Classification_RACE%202.PDF |date=8 October 2015 |access-date=30 April 2024}}</ref> || Martin Kodrić || Tatuus FR2.0/13 || 2015 Le Mans Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 round |- | LMP675 || '''1:34.380'''<ref name='2003_lemans_1000km' /> || Jon Field || Lola B01/60 || 2003 1000 km of Le Mans |- | Moto2 || '''1:34.455''' || Iván Ortolá || Kalex Moto2 || 2026 French motorcycle Grand Prix |- | GT3 || '''1:35.166'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Ultimate Cup Series Round #4 - Le Mans Circuit - September 11-12 2021 - Kennol GT-Touring Sprint Race 4 - Final Classification |url=https://www.its-results.com/ucs/2021/0b155d45-7fac-40c0-a741-122bf96316aa |date=12 September 2021 |access-date=6 January 2023}}</ref> || Bernard Delhez || Renault R.S. 01 GT3 || 2021 Le Mans Ultimate Cup round |- | GT1 (Prototype) || '''1:35.236'''<ref name='2003_lemans_1000km' /> || David Saelens || Panoz Esperante GTR-1 || 2003 1000 km of Le Mans |- | Superbike || '''1:35.751'''<ref>{{cite web |title=24 Heures Motos 13 - 16 April 2023 Race - Final Ranking |url=https://api.its-results.com/v1/download-pdf?result=35ed11d1-610b-43e6-b20e-c7edbf6aa7e1&name=24+heures+Motos+-+Race+-+Final+results+after+24+hours+-+Final+ranking |date=16 April 2023 |access-date=17 April 2023}}</ref> || Illia Mykhalchyk || BMW M1000RR || 2023 24 Heures Moto |- | Formula 4 || '''1:37.250'''<ref>{{cite web |title=2025 Championnat de France F4 - Circuit Le Mans-Bugatti - Course 3 - Classement - Final |url=https://www.ffsaacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/LE-MANS_Course-3.pdf |date=28 September 2025 |access-date=28 September 2025}}</ref> || Arthur Dorison || Mygale M21-F4 || 2025 Le Mans French F4 round |- | 250cc || '''1:37.594''' || Randy de Puniet || Aprilia RSV 250 || 2005 French motorcycle Grand Prix |- | GT1 (GTS) || '''1:38.530'''<ref name='2003_lemans_1000km' /> || Darren Turner || Ferrari 550 Maranello || 2003 1000 km of Le Mans |- | Supersport || '''1:39.035'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Championnat de France Superbike - Etape 1 - Le Mans - 26/27 Mars 2022 - Supersport 600 - Course 1 |url=https://www.ffmoto.org/sites/default/files/resultats/vitesse/2022/championnat%20de%20france%20de%20superbike/Supersport%20600/030-Course%201/110%20-%20le%20mans%20%2872%29%20-%20asm%2024%20heures%20aco/Clt%20course%201.pdf |date=27 March 2022 |access-date=25 June 2025}}</ref> || Valentin Debise || Yamaha YZF-R6 || 2022 Le Mans French Supersport round |- | MotoE || '''1:39.736''' || Andrea Mantovani || Ducati V21L || 2025 French motorcycle Grand Prix |- | Porsche Carrera Cup || '''1:40.232'''<ref>{{cite web |title=2016 Porsche Cup France Bugatti (Race 2) |url=https://www.racingyears.com/race/2016_Porsche_Cup_France_Bugatti_(Race_1) |date=11 September 2016 |access-date=15 May 2024}}</ref> || Mathieu Jaminet || Porsche 911 (991 I) GT3 Cup || 2016 Le Mans Porsche Carrera Cup France round |- | Moto3 || '''1:40.838''' || Álvaro Carpe || KTM RC250GP || 2025 French motorcycle Grand Prix |- | Eurocup Mégane Trophy || '''1:41.853'''<ref>{{cite web |title=2009 Round 5: Le Mans - Eurocup Megane Trophy - Race 2 (40' +1 lap) - Final Classification |url=http://rsseries.alkamelsystems.com/Results/05_2009/05_LE%20MANS/05_EUROCUP%20MEGANE%20TROPHY/200907191440_RACE%202/03_Classification_RACE%202.PDF |date=19 July 2009 |access-date=26 June 2022}}</ref> || Dimitri Enjalbert || Renault Mégane Renault Sport || 2009 Le Mans Eurocup Mégane Trophy round |- | GT || '''1:42.011'''<ref name='2003_lemans_1000km' /> || Andrea Montermini || Ferrari 360 Modena GTC || 2003 1000 km of Le Mans |- | Formula Renault 1.6 || '''1:42.201'''<ref>{{cite web |title=2014 French Formula 4 Bugatti (Race 2) |url=https://www.racingyears.com/race/2014_French_Formula_4_Bugatti_(Race_2) |date=26 April 2014 |access-date=26 May 2024}}</ref> || Joey Mawson || Signatech FR 1.6 || 2014 Le Mans French F4 round |- | Silhouette racing car || '''1:42.335'''<ref>{{cite web |title=2004 French Super Touring Championship Round 6: Le Mans Bugatti, 25th-26th September - Race 2 |url=http://www.dlg.speedfreaks.org/archive/2004/fstc.html |date=26 September 2004 |access-date=13 January 2023}}</ref> || Soheil Ayari || Peugeot 406 Coupé || 2004 Le Mans French Supertouring round |- | 125cc || '''1:42.651''' || Andrea Dovizioso || Honda RS125R || 2004 French motorcycle Grand Prix |- | Stock car racing || '''1:45.816'''<ref>{{cite web |title=2014 24 Heures Camions - NASCAR Whelen Euro Series - Elite 1 - Course 1 |url=https://results.ris-timing.be/circuit/24htruck/2014/2014_24_Hours_Truck_Le_Mans_NASCAR_Whelen_Euro_Series_-_ELITE_1_Course_1.pdf |date=11 October 2014 |access-date=6 January 2023}}</ref> || Ander Vilariño || Chevrolet SS || 2014 Le Mans NASCAR Whelen Euro Series round |- | Supersport 300 || '''1:52.502'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Championnat de France Superbike - Etape 1 - Le Mans - 27/28 Mars 2021 - Supersport 300 - Course 2 |url=https://www.ffmoto.org/sites/default/files/resultats/vitesse/2021/championnat%20de%20france%20de%20superbike/Supersport%20300/030-Course%202/86%20-%20circuit%20bugatti%20%2872%29%20-%20asm%2024%20heures%20aco/SPS%20300%20Course%202.pdf |date=28 March 2021 |access-date=25 June 2025}}</ref> || Adrien Quinet || Kawasaki Ninja 400 || 2021 Le Mans French Supersport 300 round |- | Truck racing || '''2:02.794'''<ref>{{cite web |title=2015 24 Heures Camions - Championnat Europe Camions FIA - Race 1 |url=https://results.ris-timing.be/circuit/24htruck/2015/2015_24_Heures_du_Mans_Camion_Championnat_Europe_Camions_FIA_Race_1.pdf |date=10 October 2015 |access-date=6 January 2023}}</ref> || Norbert Kiss || MAN TGS || 2015 Le Mans ETRC round |- ! colspan=5 | Bugatti Circuit (1989–2001): {{cvt|4.430|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- | F3000 || '''1:33.210'''<ref>{{cite web |title=1990 Le Mans F3000 |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/1990-le-mans-f3000/ |website=Motor Sport Magazine |date=23 September 1990 |access-date=30 April 2024}}</ref> || Philippe Gache || Lola T89/50 || 1990 Le Mans F3000 round |- | Formula Three || '''1:37.806'''<ref>{{cite web |title=2001 Le Mans French F3 |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2001-le-mans-french-f3/ |website=Motor Sport Magazine |date=29 September 2001 |access-date=15 July 2022}}</ref> || Ryō Fukuda || Dallara F399 || 2001 Le Mans French F3 round |- | WSC || '''1:37.954'''<ref>{{cite web |title=International Sports Racing Series Le Mans 1998 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Le_Mans-1998-09-20.html |date=20 September 1998 |access-date=1 May 2022}}</ref> || Emmanuel Collard || Ferrari 333 SP || 1998 Le Mans Autumn Cup |- | 500cc || '''1:39.954''' || Max Biaggi || Yamaha YZR500 || 2001 French motorcycle Grand Prix |- | 250cc || '''1:41.473''' || Daijiro Kato || Honda NSR250 || 2001 French motorcycle Grand Prix |- | Formula Renault 2.0 || '''1:43.005'''<ref>{{cite web |title=2001 French Formula Renault Championship - Le Mans Bugatti - 30th September, Round 8 |url=http://www.dlg.speedfreaks.org/archive/2001/single.html#ffrc |date=30 September 2001 |access-date=13 January 2023}}</ref> || Éric Salignon || Tatuus FR2000 || 2001 Le Mans French Formula Renault round |- | GT1 (GTS) || '''1:44.739'''<ref>{{cite web |title=2001 French GT Championship - Le Mans Bugatti - 25 March - Race 2 |url=http://www.dlg.speedfreaks.org/archive/2001/frgts.html |date=25 March 2001 |access-date=13 January 2023}}</ref> || Dominique Dupuy || Chrysler Viper GTS-R || 2001 Le Mans FFSA GT round |- | World SBK || '''1:46.210'''<ref>{{cite web |title=1990-09-07 to 1990-09-09 - World Superbike French Round - Race 2 |url=https://www.superbike-archives.net/results.php?ssnID=90WSB&sesID=900909LEMWSBRC2&sesType=r |date=9 September 1990 |access-date=6 January 2023}}</ref> || Jamie James || Ducati 851 || 1990 Le Mans World SBK round |- | GT1 || '''1:47.620'''<ref>{{cite web |title=4 Hours of Le Mans Autumn Cup |url=https://www.racingyears.com/race/I%25204%2520Heures%2520du%2520Mans%2520Coupe%2520de%2520Automne |date=24 September 1995 |access-date=23 October 2022}}</ref> || Carl Rosenblad || Ferrari F40 GTE || 1995 4 Hours of Le Mans Autumn Cup |- | 125cc || '''1:47.766''' || Lucio Cecchinello || Aprilia RS125R || 2001 French motorcycle Grand Prix |- | Porsche Carrera Cup || '''1:48.200'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=2000 Porsche Cup Deutschland Le Mans |url=https://www.racingyears.com/race/2000_Porsche_Cup_Deutschland_Le_Mans |date=17 September 2000 |access-date=7 December 2024}}</ref> || Timo Bernhard || Porsche 911 (996 I) GT3 Cup || 2000 Le Mans Porsche Carrera Cup Germany round |- | Silhouette racing car || '''1:48.783'''<ref>{{cite web |title=2000 French Super Touring Championship Round 7: Le Mans Bugatti - 16/17 September Race 2 - 12 laps |url=http://www.dlg.speedfreaks.org/archive/2000/ftcc.html#round7 |date=17 September 2000 |access-date=13 January 2023}}</ref> || Jean-Philippe Dayraut || Opel Astra Coupé Silhouette || 2000 Le Mans French Supertouring round |- ! colspan=5 | Bugatti Circuit (1986–1988): {{cvt|4.240|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- | F3000 || '''1:29.200'''<ref>{{cite web |title=1986 Le Mans F3000 |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/1986-le-mans-f3000/ |website=Motor Sport Magazine |date=28 September 1986 |access-date=30 April 2024}}</ref> || Emanuele Pirro || March 86B || 1986 Le Mans F3000 round |- | Formula Three || '''1:37.640'''<ref>{{cite web |title=1986 Le Mans French F3 |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/1986-le-mans-french-f3/ |website=Motor Sport Magazine |date=28 September 1986 |access-date=15 May 2022}}</ref> || Yannick Dalmas || Martini MK49 || 1986 Le Mans French F3 round |- | World SBK || '''1:56.790'''<ref>{{cite web |title=World Superbike - Le Mans 1988 - Race 1 Results |url=http://www.wsb-archives.co.uk/results/race-results.php?eventID=1988-FRA&race=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414204622/http://www.wsb-archives.co.uk/results/race-results.php?eventID=1988-FRA&race=1 |date=4 September 1988 |archive-date=14 April 2016 |access-date=30 April 2024}}</ref> || Fabrizio Pirovano || Yamaha FZ750 || 1988 Le Mans World SBK round |- | 500cc || '''1:59.290''' || Randy Mamola || Yamaha YZR500 || 1987 French motorcycle Grand Prix |- ! colspan=5 | Bugatti Circuit (1965–1985): {{cvt|4.422|km|mi|abbr=on}} |- | Formula Three || '''1:36.620'''<ref>{{cite web |title=1981 Le Mans French F3 |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/1981-le-mans-french-f3/ |website=Motor Sport Magazine |date=20 September 1981 |access-date=15 May 2022}}</ref> || Pierre Petit || Martini MK31 || 1981 Le Mans French F3 round |- | Formula One || '''1:36.700''' || Graham Hill || Lotus 49 || 1967 French Grand Prix |- | 500cc || '''1:37.500''' || Freddie Spencer || Honda NS500 || 1983 French motorcycle Grand Prix |- | Formula Renault 2.0 || '''1:42.550'''<ref>{{cite web |title=1978 Championnat de France Formule Renault Bugatti |url=https://www.racingyears.com/race/1978_Championnat_de_France_Formule_Renault_Bugatti |date=15 October 1978 |access-date=26 May 2024}}</ref> || Philippe Alliot || Martini MK20 || 1978 Le Mans French Formula Renault round |- | 250cc || '''1:43.600''' || Kork Ballington || Kawasaki KR250 || 1979 French motorcycle Grand Prix |- | 350cc || '''1:44.600''' || Walter Villa || Harley-Davidson RR350 || 1976 French motorcycle Grand Prix |- | Formula Two || '''1:45.000''' || Denny Hulme || Brabham BT18 || 1966 Trophée Craven 'A' |- | 125cc || '''1:49.700''' || Ángel Nieto || Minareli 125cc GP || 1979 French motorcycle Grand Prix |- | Sidecar (B2A) || '''1:52.800''' || Rolf Biland || Yamaha sidecar || 1976 French motorcycle Grand Prix |- | 50cc || '''2:11.200''' || Rudolf Kunz || Kreidler 50 GP || 1976 French motorcycle Grand Prix |- |}

===Layout evolution of Bugatti Circuit=== <gallery> File:Circuit Le Mans Bugatti.png|Bugatti Circuit (1965–1985) File:Bugatti Circuit 1991-1996.png|Bugatti Circuit (1989–1996) File:Bugatti Circuit.svg|Bugatti Circuit (2002–present) File:Circuit Bugatti - Le Mans.jpg|Layout evolution of Bugatti circuit from 1965 to 2008 </gallery>

==Events==

; Current

* March: Fun Cup France * April: FIM Endurance World Championship ''24 Heures Motos'', Sidecar World Championship, {{ill|French Superbike Championship|fr|Championnat de France Superbike}} * May: Grand Prix motorcycle racing ''French motorcycle Grand Prix'', Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup * June: FIA World Endurance Championship ''24 Hours of Le Mans'', Le Mans Cup, Ligier European Series, Ferrari Challenge Europe, Porsche Cup Brasil * July: Le Mans Classic ''Le Mans Classic Legend'', GT3 Revival Series * September: European Truck Racing Championship ''{{ill|24 Heures Camions|fr}}'', Porsche Sprint Challenge France, British Truck Racing Championship

; Former

* Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (2006, 2008) * EuroBOSS Series (2002–2004) * Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 (1995, 1998, 2005–2006, 2008–2009, 2015) * Eurocup Mégane Trophy (2005–2006, 2008–2009) * Ferrari Challenge North America (2023) * FIM CEV Moto3 Junior World Championship (2014–2019) * FFSA GT Championship (1998–1999, 2001–2006, 2012–2015) * Formula 3 Euro Series (2003, 2006, 2008) * Formula One ** ''French Grand Prix'' (Bugatti Circuit) (1967) * Formula Renault 2.0 West European Cup (1971–1972, 1975–2006, 2008–2009) * Formula Renault 3.5 Series (2005–2006, 2008–2009, 2015) * French F4 Championship (2012–2016, 2025) * French Formula Three Championship (1966–1967, 1980–1981, 1986–2002) * French Supertouring Championship (1976, 1978–1981, 1986, 1989–1994, 1998–2005) * GP Explorer (2022–2023, 2025) * Grand Prix motorcycle racing ** ''Vitesse du Mans motorcycle Grand Prix'' (1991) * IMSA Ford Mustang Challenge ** ''Mustang Challenge Le Mans Invitational'' (2025) * International Formula 3000 (1986–1991) * International Sports Racing Series (1998) * Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe (2024) * MotoE World Championship ** ''French eRace'' (2020–2025) * NASCAR Whelen Euro Series (2009–2014) * Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux (2017) * Porsche Carrera Cup France (1987, 1989–2000, 2002–2005, 2010–2011, 2013–2017, 2020, 2023) * Porsche Carrera Cup Germany (2000, 2006, 2020) * Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain (2014, 2017) * Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia (2023) * Renault Sport Trophy (2015) * Superbike World Championship (1988, 1990)

==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. The weather station is located at the local airport just a few hundred metres from the main grandstand and pit lane of the circuit.

{{Weather box |location = Le Mans (1991–2020 averages) |metric first = Y |single line = Y |Jan record high C = 17.2 |Feb record high C = 21.8 |Mar record high C = 25.6 |Apr record high C = 30.3 |May record high C = 32.4 |Jun record high C = 39.7 |Jul record high C = 41.1 |Aug record high C = 40.5 |Sep record high C = 35.0 |Oct record high C = 30.0 |Nov record high C = 22.2 |Dec record high C = 18.3 |year record high C = 41.1 |Jan avg record high C = 14.4 |Feb avg record high C = 16.2 |Mar avg record high C = 20.4 |Apr avg record high C = 24.8 |May avg record high C = 28.2 |Jun avg record high C = 32.4 |Jul avg record high C = 33.9 |Aug avg record high C = 34.0 |Sep avg record high C = 29.2 |Oct avg record high C = 23.5 |Nov avg record high C = 17.6 |Dec avg record high C = 14.3 |year avg record high C = 35.4 |Jan high C = 8.4 |Feb high C = 9.7 |Mar high C = 13.3 |Apr high C = 16.6 |May high C = 20.1 |Jun high C = 23.6 |Jul high C = 26.0 |Aug high C = 26.0 |Sep high C = 22.2 |Oct high C = 17.2 |Nov high C = 11.9 |Dec high C = 8.8 |year high C = |Jan mean C = 5.5 |Feb mean C = 5.9 |Mar mean C = 8.7 |Apr mean C = 11.3 |May mean C = 14.9 |Jun mean C = 18.2 |Jul mean C = 20.3 |Aug mean C = 20.1 |Sep mean C = 16.7 |Oct mean C = 13.0 |Nov mean C = 8.6 |Dec mean C = 5.9 |year mean C = |Jan low C = 2.7 |Feb low C = 2.2 |Mar low C = 4.0 |Apr low C = 6.0 |May low C = 9.7 |Jun low C = 12.9 |Jul low C = 14.6 |Aug low C = 14.3 |Sep low C = 11.2 |Oct low C = 8.8 |Nov low C = 5.2 |Dec low C = 2.9 |year low C = |Jan avg record low C = -6.1 |Feb avg record low C = -5.1 |Mar avg record low C = -3.0 |Apr avg record low C = -0.6 |May avg record low C = 2.7 |Jun avg record low C = 6.8 |Jul avg record low C = 8.8 |Aug avg record low C = 7.7 |Sep avg record low C = 4.5 |Oct avg record low C = 0.8 |Nov avg record low C = -2.8 |Dec avg record low C = -5.2 |year avg record low C = -8.0 |Jan record low C = -18.2 |Feb record low C = -17.0 |Mar record low C = -11.3 |Apr record low C = -4.9 |May record low C = -3.7 |Jun record low C = 1.6 |Jul record low C = 3.9 |Aug record low C = 3.2 |Sep record low C = -0.5 |Oct record low C = -5.4 |Nov record low C = -12.0 |Dec record low C = -21.0 |year record low C = -21.0 |precipitation colour = green |Jan precipitation mm = 65.9 |Feb precipitation mm = 49.1 |Mar precipitation mm = 52.2 |Apr precipitation mm = 51.1 |May precipitation mm = 63.2 |Jun precipitation mm = 55.1 |Jul precipitation mm = 49.4 |Aug precipitation mm = 49.0 |Sep precipitation mm = 50.8 |Oct precipitation mm = 65.5 |Nov precipitation mm = 67.1 |Dec precipitation mm = 75.0 |year precipitation mm = |Jan precipitation days = 11.0 |Feb precipitation days = 9.6 |Mar precipitation days = 9.4 |Apr precipitation days = 9.0 |May precipitation days = 9.5 |Jun precipitation days = 7.9 |Jul precipitation days = 7.3 |Aug precipitation days = 7.1 |Sep precipitation days = 7.7 |Oct precipitation days = 10.6 |Nov precipitation days = 11.3 |Dec precipitation days = 11.6 |year precipitation days = |Jan humidity = 87 |Feb humidity = 83 |Mar humidity = 78 |Apr humidity = 74 |May humidity = 75 |Jun humidity = 73 |Jul humidity = 72 |Aug humidity = 74 |Sep humidity = 79 |Oct humidity = 86 |Nov humidity = 88 |Dec humidity = 88 |year humidity = 79.8 |Jan sun = 65 |Feb sun = 94 |Mar sun = 139 |Apr sun = 180 |May sun = 207 |Jun sun = 221 |Jul sun = 233 |Aug sun = 226 |Sep sun = 185 |Oct sun = 118 |Nov sun = 75 |Dec sun = 67 |year sun = |source 1 = Meteo France<ref name=MFclimat1>{{cite web | url = https://donneespubliques.meteofrance.fr/FichesClim/FICHECLIM_72181001.pdf | title = Données climatiques de la station de Le Mans | publisher = Meteo France | language = fr | access-date = 10 September 2023 }}</ref> |source 2 = Infoclimat (humidity 1961–1990)<ref name=Infoclimat>{{cite web | url = http://www.infoclimat.fr/climatologie-07235-le-mans-arnage.html | title = Normes et records 1961–1990: Le Mans – Arnage (72) – altitude 51m | language = fr | publisher = Infoclimat | access-date = 9 January 2016}}</ref> }}

==Notes== {{Notelist}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

===Sources=== * {{citation|last=Fuller |first=Michael J. |year=2010 |title=Mulsanne's Corner: Maximum Speeds at Le Mans, 1961-1989 |website=Mulsanne's Corner, technical analysis of contemporary sports prototype racing cars |url=http://www.mulsannescorner.com/maxspeed.html }} * {{citation |author=RC staff |year=2015 |title=Le Mans |website=RacingCircuits.info |url=http://www.racingcircuits.info/europe/france/le-mans/ |access-date=2015-04-11 |archive-date=2016-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208092545/http://www.racingcircuits.info/europe/france/le-mans |url-status=dead }} * {{citation | author=Speedhunters staff |date=13 June 2008 |title=Temple Of Speed>> The Mulsanne Straight | website=Speedhunters |url=http://www.speedhunters.com/2008/06/temples_of_speed_gt_gt_the_mulsanne_straight/ }}

==External links== {{Commons category|Circuit de la Sarthe}} *[http://www.24h-lemans.com/en Official website] *[http://www.racingcircuits.info/europe/france/le-mans/ RacingCircuits.info's history of Circuit de la Sarthe] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208092545/http://www.racingcircuits.info/europe/france/le-mans |date=2016-12-08 }} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20070228160311/http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/Le_Mans_Circuit_des_24_Heures Trackpedia's guide to driving Le Mans] *[https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Le+Mans,+France&om=1&ie=UTF8&z=15&ll=47.953547,0.211058&spn=0.012158,0.043259&t=k Satellite Picture by Google Maps] *[http://www.virtua-lm.com/lemans/history.php History and track maps 1921–2006] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20090129061034/http://trackpedia.com/wiki/Le_Mans_Bugatti Trackpedia's guide to Le Mans Bugatti] *[https://archive.today/20130204142657/http://trackreviewers.com/reviews/le-mans/ Track Reviewers reviews of Le Mans]

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