Le Mans plans for 55 starters

The ACO, the Le Mans 24 Hours promoter, is to invest ?15m in improvements to the infrastructure of the Circuit de la Sarthe that are scheduled to be completed by 2007. The changes to the track itself will be a revised layout of the Tertre Rouge corner, to accommodate a larger run-off area, and the extension of the pits to include nine new garages, to allow 55 cars to start the annual 24-hour race

Sep 21, 2003, 10:13 PM

To cater for the additional support vehicles, the paddock will be extended into the area currently occupied by the 'Village'. This complex of bars and shops will be relocated closer to the Dunlop chicane, and will feature a new Welcome Centre incorporating a grandstand and a restaurant overlooking the track. Four new pedestrian tunnels will provide improved access to the new Village area.

Other improvements will include the refurbishment of the grandstands at the Ford Chicane and Maison Blanche.

In the longer term, the ACO is also looking at re-routing the main road running in front of the circuit complex, to improve pedestrian access, and the creation of a longer permanent track by extending the current Bugatti circuit towards the karting area.