Le Mans

What is Le Mans?

The Le Mans 24 Hours is the most famous motor race in the world and has been held every June since 1923. It runs on the 13.626 km Circuit de la Sarthe, a combination of permanent race track and closed public roads. Winners are written into history: Porsche has 19 outright wins, Audi 13 and Toyota 5.

The circuit

Le Mans is all about speed: the Mulsanne straight (now broken up by chicanes), Tertre Rouge, Indianapolis, the Porsche Curves and the Ford chicane. Top speeds reach around 340 km/h and roughly 70 per cent of the lap is flat out. The mix of racing precision and country-road character makes it one of the most demanding circuits in the world.

What Le Mans means

For manufacturers it is the marketing event of the year, with Porsche, Ferrari, Cadillac, BMW and Toyota all chasing the win. For fans it is a pilgrimage, for drivers a career highlight. Le Mans is part of the FIA WEC and the crown of endurance racing. Everyone who has won it is a legend.

Le Mans trips with ESC

ESC organises exclusive Le Mans trips with VIP tickets, pit access and driver meetings. Before or after the race you can add a trackday at Mugello or Paul Ricard. Book your Le Mans trip.