Circuit de la Sarthe

The Circuit de la Sarthe, known for its Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans variation after the 24-hour semi-permanent circuit, 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 deadliest 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 13.626 km (8.467 mi) 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. Additionally, the times spent reaching maximum speed also mean tremendous wear on the brakes and suspension as cars must slow from over 322 km/h (200 mph) to around 100 km/h (62 mph) for the sharp corner at the village of Mulsanne.