Before you leave for the circuit...

Check you have all you need for the day. First, your ticket. It would be shame to be turned away at the gate because you left it on the kitchen table!  Next, clothing. Make sure you’re equipped for all eventualities, weather-wise. And wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking. Make a checklist for your backpack: sun cream, sunglasses, hat, rain coat, folding seat, blanket for after dark, etc. Don’t forget to drink enough water (especially if there are children and older people in your group) and to eat! There are plenty of refreshments on sale at the circuit. All set? Right, let’s go then!

1. Pit Straight

This is the place to be for the start. You won’t be alone so you may not see much, but it’s great to feel part of the starting procedure. It’s also the right time to show your support for your favourite team, car or driver. Make yourself heard before the engines start!

2. Dunlop Chicane

Plenty of overtaking goes on here. In fact, a lot usually happens at this spot! On the inside or the outside of the circuit, there are plenty of viewpoints. You can’t miss the Dunlop Footbridge, easy to get to you from the main gate or the red carpark.

3. Tertre Rouge Corner

Need a walk? Take a stroll to the corner that marks the beginning of the Mulsanne Straight. You will find spectator seating on the inside of the track. Brake discs gleam as drivers negotiate the turn before the long ride down to Mulsanne.

4. Mulsanne Corner

At the end of the Straight is one of the trickiest brake points on the circuit. The slightest mistake and it’s straight on or off into the gravel. Don’t forget there are shuttle buses between the race village and the more far-flung corners of the circuit. There is a big screen so if you stay a while, you can also watch the race unfold elsewhere on the circuit.

5. Indianapolis/Arnage

This is a not-to-be-missed place on the circuit. With the latest alterations to Indianapolis Corner, you can now view the race with the cars coming towards you at 300 kph. Watch as drivers whip through the curves before Arnage Corner. This – the slowest corner on the circuit – is also the most dreaded. Spectators can get close to the circuit here. Experience a new form of exhilaration. There are two big screens to check out what’s happening elsewhere.

6. Porsche Curves

Viewing is possible on the inside or the outside of the track in this very quick sector. You can also compare brake points and pace between cars. The difference between the GTs and prototypes is amazing.

7. The Ford Chicane

This spot is accessible with a grandstand ticket. It’s well worth your while to see the GTs skim the kerbs whereas the prototype drivers avoid clipping them for fear of damaging the car. If you fancy going for a spin yourself, the funfair is in this area!