Tertre Rouge corner, Arnage, Maison Blanche and Indianapolis are just a few of the spots that stand out in the 90-year history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The six-kilometre-long Mulsanne Straight is perhaps the most famous of all.

In the early 20th century, the road to the south of Le Mans made its mark on the history of aviation as the location chosen by the Wright brothers for their test flights. From the first ever 24 Hours of Le Mans on 26 May 1923, this portion of public road not only became a testing ground for car parts—windscreen wipers, quartz-iodine headlights and disc brakes were all tested at Le Mans before becoming widespread—the famous bump at km7 also proved testing for drivers, but above all, it has always showcased their talent. Roger Dorchy set the circuit speed record of 405 kph on the straight in 1988. Two chicanes were added for safety reasons in 1990, but the change does nothing to diminish the aura of the Mulsanne Straight. “I think they make the circuit even more technical” says American endurance driver and Formula One champion Mario Andretti who has raced on the circuit before and since.

Watch this spectacular film of the straight, commented by local experts, former driver and constructor Yves Courage, journalist and historian Michel Bonté and Bruno Vandestick, the race commentator. Commentary in French

Jean-Philippe Doret / ACO — Translated from French by Emma Paulay

Photo: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, LE MANS 24 HOURS, SATURDAY 16 & SUNDAY 17 JUNE 2012. The very special atmosphere of the Mulsanne Straight provides the backdrop for outstanding driving every year at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.