Pit Straight
Hopes are high as every driver crosses the start line on the Saturday at 3 p.m. However, only those who manage to overcome all the hazards inherent in such a long race will experience the joy of being shown the chequered flag 24 hours later.

Dunlop Curve
The famous Dunlop Bridge, which straddles the curve of the same name, is synonymous with Le Mans. The Dunlop Curve has been altered over the course of the 82 editions of the race, but still offers spectators a stunning view.

Forest Esses
After negotiating the Dunlop Curve, the cars drop down to the Forest Esses section, created in the 1930s, before entering Tertre Rouge. At night, the drivers are plunged into darkness from this point.

Tertre Rouge
Tertre Rouge can be extremely challenging especially as a fast exit from this right-hander is essential to maximise speed coming into the long Mulsanne Straight.

Mulsanne Straight
Although the Mulsanne Straight - known by the French as the Ligne Droite des Hunaudières - has not been totally “straight” since 1990 when two chicanes were introduced, it still gives drivers a moment’s respite before tackling the most technical part of the circuit.

Mulsanne Corner
Previously unchanged since 1986 when a right-hand kink was created to avoid a new roundabout, Mulsanne has seen its grass verges asphalted this year. It offers a spectacular vantage point, especially at night when brake discs can be seen glowing in the dark.

Indianapolis
The cars reach top speed between Mulsanne and Indianopolis, an S-bend that is quick to sanction any errors in the approach to Arnage.

Arnage
This is the slowest part of the circuit with a right-angled corner leading into a recently redesigned straight. Here too, brakes spark like a thousand stars in the night sky as the drivers try desperately to accelerate away as quickly as possible.

Porsche Curves
Many drivers’ favourite part of the track. The most intrepid attempt to drive almost flat-out through here. Changes have been made to the kerbs in this section for the 83rd Edition of the Le Mans 24 Hours with larger runoff areas.

Maison Blanche
The layout of this near-straight between the Porsche Curves and the connecting corner dates back to the 1970s when the old Maison Blanche road was abandoned.

Ford Corner
This is in fact a series of two chicanes. The first dates back to the late sixties and is a direct consequence of the duel between Ford and Ferrari, while the second was added in the early seventies. This corner feeds into the Pit Straight and we’re off for another lap!

To be continued...

Cécile Bonardel / ACO - Translation by David Goward

PHOTO: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, SATURDAY 14 JUNE, THE RACE. Cars drive under the Dunlop Bridge before approaching the Forest Esses.