Le Mans
The ACO – founder and governing body of the 24 Hours of Le Mans – is celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2026! The association's longevity and success are inextricably linked to its commitment to innovation and to the iconic circuit where the race is held every year.
After organising the 1906 French Grand Prix, the ACO founders continued their efforts to popularise motorsport in the region. The one-time route of this initial event covered more than 100 km west of Le Mans, forming a triangle between Champagné to the east (the Auvours Fork), La Ferté-Bernard and Saint-Calais.
The circuit, largely as it is known today, was inaugurated in 1920 for the UMF Grand Prix. The start was given at Les Raineries, heading north to Pontlieue then down the Mulsanne Straight before veering right at Mulsanne towards Arnage. The return leg followed the Maison Blanche road. In the wake of successfully hosting multiple races, the circuit became a natural choice for the 1923 Grand Prix d’Endurance de 24 Heures.
After the first running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, designed to test the durability and performance of French and European automobiles, it was immediately apparent to organisers Georges Durand and Charles Faroux (the race director and the voice of the race in the media) that road conditions had negatively affected the competitors. At the time, this was a nationwide issue and one the ACO decided to tackle head-on by becoming a key player with the goal of proposing solutions that would benefit the entire country.
Durand and Faroux were making headlines on a massive scale, wielding an invaluable weapon in their arsenal against public authorities and other detractors: a motor racing circuit. In 1926, the ACO applied three different types of road surfacing to various sections of the track to determine which performed best. The public road itself was then integrated into the race. This enabled the ACO not only to gain political clout, but also to position itself at the forefront of innovation, always championing the motorist. Thanks to these wide-ranging efforts, which also included the invention of the centre line in the late 1920s, the circuit was officially designated a national laboratory in 1931. These early lessons set the circuit apart, transcending its original purpose and earning a global reputation.
The ACO takes great pride in maintaining its crown jewel. The association has a twofold mission: to continue fostering innovation at the circuit and in the surrounding areas by remaining the gold standard, and to offer spectators the best possible experience.
Work at the circuit never ceases. From year to year, the venu (including parking areas, villages and infrastructure) undergoes improvements. The 1923 layout remained in use until 1928, the year the Pontlieue Hairpin was bypassed for the first time. As the suburbs of Le Mans expanded, it became necessary to use the rue du Circuit, an access road connected to the northern end of the Mulsanne Straight. Then, the first pedestrian bridges were built to allow spectators to cross the track. In 1932, a new section was inaugurated with great fanfare: the famous Forest Esses linking the Dunlop Curve to Tertre Rouge. After partial reconstruction due to World War II, the configuration remained the same until 1968 when the Ford Chicane was installed. It has also been a top priority to comply with prevailing safety standards, a domain in which the ACO has made zero concessions since its inception.
The Porsche Curves were introduced in 1972, the Dunlop Chicane in 1987, the two Mulsanne Straight Chicanes in 1990 and the Forest Esses were redesigned in 2002. Four years later, the Dunlop Curve underwent a complete overhaul. Not to mention the Bugatti circuit, inaugurated in 1966, which has enabled Le Mans to diversify greatly. Despite these modifications, the circuit has lost none of its spirit. The ACO has successfully preserved its historic character — particularly between Mulsanne and Arnage, a section that has remained virtually unchanged since 1920 — all while keeping in mind the needs of road users. Don't forget, the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit exists as such for only a few days every year, forcing the association and public authorities to strike a balance between heritage preservation and the demands of everyday traffic.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is inseparable from its circuit. A stretch of asphalt that has ranged from 17.262 km in its longest version (1923–1928) to 13.461 km in its shortest (1956–1957). Increasingly large grandstands, footbridges and other ultra-modern facilities have sprung up around the track. That is the essence of Le Mans: the past coexists with the present, all while keeping an eye on the future.
In 2024, the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans received the prestigious title of France's favourite monument, demonstrating the deep attachment people in France feel for this source of national pride. It has given rise to legends and above all to millions of enthusiasts across the globe. After more than a century of sterling service, it was time to honour this icon, without whom none of this would have been possible.
