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Motorcycle Track Day at the Bugatti Circuit of Le Mans

The Bugatti circuit, located in the heart of the 24 Hours of Le Mans complex in Sarthe, is one of the most prestigious circuits in France for motorcycle track day events. Inaugurated in 1966 and 4.185 km long, it is the circuit that hosts the French MotoGP Grand Prix every year. To ride at the Bugatti circuit of Le Mans is to take the same turns as Fabio Quartararo, Johann Zarco or Valentino Rossi, in an atmosphere steeped in more than 60 years of motorsport history.

History of the Bugatti Circuit

The Bugatti circuit was built in 1965-1966 on the initiative of Jacques Finance and Jean-Marie Lelièvre, respectively chairman of the sports commission and chairman of the ACO (Automobile Club de l'Ouest). The initial objective was to create a permanent track for the driving school, separate from the temporary 24 Hours layout.

The circuit's motorcycle history is exceptional. The first French Motorcycle Grand Prix was held there in 1969. Nine GPs took place there between 1969 and 1990, before becoming an annual event from 1994. The circuit has also hosted the 24 Heures Moto since 1978 and hosted the Bol d'Or in 1971.

The layout has been modified several times: creation of the S Bleu in 1988-1989, redevelopment of the Dunlop-Chapelle descent in 2002, new Dunlop chicane in 2005-2006, and modification of the Garage Vert in 2008 bringing the total length to 4,185 m.

Layout and Characteristics of the Bugatti Circuit

The Bugatti circuit at Le Mans extends over 4.185 km in a clockwise direction, with a track width of 12 meters and an asphalt surface. The circuit shares about a third of its layout with the large 24 Hours circuit: the grandstand straight, the Dunlop chicane and the pits.

The layout is punctuated by emblematic passages:

• Dunlop Chicane: a technical sequence that requires precise braking after the grandstand straight. It is the most spectacular area of the track.
• Dunlop Descent: a 600 m climb at 3.5-7% followed by a 1,000 m descent at 2%, creating a pronounced difference in height that affects the behavior of the motorcycle, especially under braking.
• S Bleu: a fast sequence of two curves that rewards fluidity and good lean angle timing.
• Virage du Musée and Chapelle: technical sections at medium speed.
• Garage Vert: fast corner, modified in 2008.
• Chemin aux Bœufs: technical chicane requiring heavy braking.

Riding Tips at the Bugatti Circuit

The Bugatti circuit at Le Mans is a demanding track that combines fast sections and technical areas. Here are the key points to optimize your trajectories:

• Dunlop Chicane: brake early and in a straight line. The entry is tricky because it comes after a high acceleration zone. Aim for a precise apex at the first apex to exit cleanly.
• Dunlop-Chapelle Descent: the slope modifies the mass transfer under braking — brake earlier than on the flat and gradually manage the pressure on the lever.
• S Bleu: the sequence is negotiated smoothly. Do not over-brake between the two curves, let the bike roll and work on shifting your body weight.
• Garage Vert: a fast corner where confidence is gained lap after lap. Maintain your speed and don't close the throttle too early.

MotoGP Record: the lap record at the Bugatti circuit is held by Fabio Quartararo in 1 min 29 s 324.

Access and Practical Information

The Bugatti circuit is located at Circuit des 24 Heures, 72000 Le Mans, in the south of the city.

• By car: A11 motorway (Paris-Nantes), exit Le Mans Sud. Approximately 2 hours from Paris, 1 hour 30 minutes from Nantes.
• By train: Le Mans TGV station, 55 minutes from Paris-Montparnasse. The circuit is accessible by tram from the city center.

The sound limit at the Bugatti circuit is 102 dB. This limit is strictly enforced during track day and motorcycle track day events.

Why Ride at the Bugatti Circuit of Le Mans?

The Bugatti circuit offers a unique motorcycle track day experience in France. Its link with the MotoGP Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans gives each track day an exceptional atmosphere. The 4.185 km track is one of the longest and most complete for motorcycle track day events, with a mixture of fast sections, technical areas and a difference in height that adds an extra dimension to riding. The ACO's infrastructures — pit boxes, paddock, race control — are among the best in France, and the TGV service makes the circuit accessible from all over France. Book your track day booking now!