For this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours, the road layout around Arnage Corner has been modified. The old crossroads between the D140 road (linking Mulsanne and Arnage) and the D139 (which goes up to the Porsche curves) has been turned into a roundabout. This was an accident black spot for local residents who welcome the changes. But no need to worry – the circuit layout has not been affected! The overall geography of the track has not changed and drivers will still need to brake carefully at Arnage, the slowest bend on the circuit. In fact, the roundabout is set off to the side of the track so there are no modifications to Circuit de la Sarthe.

Until now, spectators were unable to take full advantage of the view over this series of corners and the cars as they arrived at Indianapolis. By altering the layout, we’ve provided a brand new viewpoint that I'm sure the crowds will appreciate, explains ACO Sporting Director, Vincent Beaumesnil.

The roadworks, work to alter the water supply network and to create the new spectators’ area are now almost finished. Everything will be ready for the Test Day and the big 24 Hours of Le Mans week, now just a few weeks away! From now on, only drivers competing in the world’s greatest endurance race will get to drive through the legendary Arnage Corner, as is the case for La Chapelle Corner, Tertre Rouge and the section that starts at the Porsche Curves.
 

Saving the corner will keep the legend alive while improving traffic (the road between Arnage and Laigné-en-Belin can now stay open during the Le Mans 24 Hours), which is great news with this year’s race now almost upon us!

Geoffroy Barre | Translated from French by Clair Pickworth

Photo: as the aerial view shows, Arnage Corner has not been altered but the spectators’ view of the cars coming down from Mulsanne has been improved.