We just completed the 101st edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the most famous endurance race in the world. So, it's time for our Track Guide to the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans Ultimate.
This post, created by Esports Driver and UniSimRacing Coach Alessandro Ottaviani in collaboration with Kevin Salerno, will reveal the secrets to going fast on the legendary French track.
Before we begin, here are some historical notes on the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the circuit.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is not just fascinating; it represents a challenge for everyone involved: drivers, teams, and engineers.
This race is a deep-rooted tradition in the city of Le Mans and, more importantly, a significant technological challenge.
It not only offers spectacular and engaging races but also serves as a perfect testing ground for new technological solutions.
Innovations such as disc brakes and fuel-saving cutoff systems were born here, along with the latest hybrid technologies.
Qualche informazione storica
This is one of the most famous semi-permanent tracks in the world and is home to the most prestigious endurance race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which celebrated its centenary in 2023.
Over the years, the circuit has undergone several modifications, but some corners have remained unchanged since 1923, such as Indianapolis and Arnage.
Today, the total length of the track is 13,649 meters, with a total of 33 corners, often interspersed with long straights like the Hunaudières (which received two chicanes starting in 1990 to limit extreme speeds).
Today, we'll guide you around Le Mans with the Ferrari 499P #51, winner of the 2023 24-hour race.
Let's begin the Circuit de la Sarthe Track Guide in Le Mans Ultimate.
Turn 1-2-3: Dunlop
We approach the first turn, the Dunlop Curve, a long turn that tightens at the end.
You need to be very careful, maintaining full speed in sixth gear, because right after the apex, you enter the Dunlop Chicane.
Apply powerful braking and cut the second apex sharply to exit strong and accelerate towards the Esses.
Turn 4-5-6-7: Esses
The first turn can be taken at full speed, then downshift two gears with a sharp brake.
It’s easy to understeer here, so be cautious.
Turn 8-9: Tertre Rouge
At Tertre Rouge, you need to lift off the throttle slightly and enter the turn.
You can use both the inside and outside curbs.
Then, head towards the first straight of the Hunaudières, now broken up by two chicanes to limit the speeds that once exceeded 400 km/h.
Turn 10-11-12: Forza Chicane
Approaching the first chicane, brake at the 150-meter mark, downshift to third gear, and use the inner curbs as a guide, but don’t overdo it.
Be careful when getting back on the throttle to avoid wheel spin.
Turn 13-14-15: Michelin Chicane
Next, repeat the procedure in the second chicane, then head towards the end of the Hunaudières straight.
Turn 16-17: Mulsanne
Before the Mulsanne turn, brake at the 100-meter mark, downshift to third gear with plenty of trail braking.
Be very careful with the throttle as the car can lighten up significantly, especially at the rear.
On the exit, watch the throttle and steering movement.
Turn 20-21-22: Indianapolis-Arnage
After Mulsanne, we head towards one of the most feared corners of the track, Indianapolis, and then immediately after to the Arnage complex.
Indianapolis seems like a simple turn but is very complex.
Downshift calmly and brake in the second part.
Again, use plenty of trail braking, as it's easy to lock the wheels.
At Arnage, brake at the 50-meter mark, shift to second gear for a linear and controlled acceleration.
Well, are you understanding the concepts expressed in this Circuit de la Sarthe Track Guide in Le Mans Ultimate?
If yes, continue reading!
Turn 23-24-25-26-27-28-29: Porsche-Corvette Curves
Now we head towards the Porsche curves, a spectacular section with plenty of grip.
Downshift one gear, light braking, enter at over 150 km/h.
Here, you need to skim the blue wall and dive back in.
Then approach the Corvette turn, where the outer tires are put to the test.
Navigate the chicane, cutting the inside curb significantly, then head towards the Ford chicane.
Turn 30-31-32-33: Chicane Ford
Here, brake near the pit entrance.
Cut both apexes and try to prepare well for the last chicane to get on the throttle as early as possible and finish the lap at Le Mans.
With this Circuit de la Sarthe Track Guide in Le Mans Ultimate, we’re confident you’ll be able to improve your lap times at Le Mans.
You can also watch the guide on our YouTube channel.
See you soon!