Bugatti Circuit – Le Mans

When was the track built?

Due to costs and issues with public roads closed for hosting races on the Circuit de la Sarthe, the need for a permanent circuit started becoming more and more urgent.
Named in honour of Ettore Bugatti, the circuit was planned and designed in 1964 and completed the following year.
It has hosted a F1 GP in 1967 but it has become a motorcycle venue above all.
It will be back in the Formula One circuit rotation from 2023.

When was its first Grand Prix?

In 1967, dominated by Jack Brabham and his team thanks to the second place of Dennis Hulme, after both Lotus-Ford of Graham Hill, started from pole, and Jim Clark suffered reliability problems while leading.
It is one of the eight French circuits that will rotate for spots in the European and World Title series.

What’s the circuit like?

It uses the main straight and first chicane of the longest and more famous version; just after the Dunlop bridge it goes to the right with a sequence of sweeping turns and “Esses”.
The final two tight and slow corners are very particular; interesting elevation changes also make this circuit interesting.

Where is it located?

Just outside the south suburbs of Le Mans, in Maine, western France. Paris and its airports are around 2 hours away. (+ 47°56’29”, + 0°12’57”)