The Bugatti Circuit is a permanent race track located inside the famous Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans complex in Le Mans, France. Built in 1965 and named after legendary automotive pioneer Ettore Bugatti, the circuit combines sections of the famous Le Mans 24-hour track with purpose-built infield corners.
While the larger Le Mans circuit is used for endurance racing, the Bugatti layout is a shorter permanent circuit designed for year-round competition. It is best known today for hosting the French motorcycle Grand Prix and the 24 Heures Motos.
Although it hosted only one Formula One World Championship race, the Bugatti Circuit remains an important venue in international motorsport.
See also…
Bugatti Au Mans
| First Grand Prix | 1967 French Grand Prix |
| Number of Laps | 80 |
| Circuit Length | 4.422 km |
| Race Distance | 353.76 km |
| Lap Record | 1:36.700 Graham Hill (1967) |
Circuit
When was Bugatti Au Mans built?
The Bugatti Circuit opened in 1965 inside the grounds of the Le Mans endurance circuit.
Unlike the 13-km public-road layout used for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Bugatti track was designed as a permanent closed circuit suitable for regular racing events.
Part of the circuit shares famous Le Mans landmarks, including the Dunlop Bridge section, the pit complex and the Ford Chicane at the end of the lap.
The rest of the track runs through a purpose-built infield section featuring corners such as Garage Vert, S du Garage Bleu, and Raccordement.
In 2002, the circuit was significantly modified to improve safety for motorcycle racing, including a new chicane near the Dunlop section.
When was the first French Grand Prix at Bugatti?
The circuit hosted Formula One only once, during the 1967 French Grand Prix.
The race was won by Jack Brabham, driving a Brabham-Repco, during his championship-winning season.
Despite the successful event, Formula One never returned. The French Grand Prix moved between other venues, including Circuit de Charade, Circuit Paul Ricard, and Circuit de Dijon-Prenois, in subsequent years.
Bugatti Au Mans lap record
The Formula One race lap record at the Bugatti Circuit was set during the 1967 French Grand Prix by Graham Hill in a time of 1:36.700 driving a Lotus 49.
Today, the Bugatti Circuit is primarily associated with motorcycle racing and endurance events, but its connection to the legendary Le Mans circuit ensures it remains one of the most recognisable venues in motorsport.