MotoGP Circuit Guide
Circuit Bugatti - MotoGP Grandstand Guide
Where to sit at Circuit Bugatti for the MotoGP: grandstand recommendations, the best views, hospitality options and how to get there on race day.
Circuit Bugatti in Le Mans, France, is a permanent motorsport venue that shares facilities with the wider Circuit de la Sarthe complex. Designed by Charles Deutsch and opened in 1965, the track features a distinctive serpentine layout created in just a few months of construction. The circuit serves as the permanent home of the French MotoGP Grand Prix and also hosts the 24 Hour truck race, FIA GP2 Championship, French Touring Car, and GT racing events.
The current configuration spans 4.185 kilometres and runs clockwise, incorporating several iconic sections shared with the 24 Hours circuit including the main pit straight, the Ford Chicane, and the Dunlop bridge area. A tight hairpin section runs parallel to the 24 Hours track before returning toward the paddock. The pit straight measures 674 metres in length. Notable corners include the La Chapelle right-handed hairpin, named after a nearby historical chapel.
Grandstand options range from the main stand overlooking the pit straight and Dunlop Bridge to a covered grandstand at the Dunlop chicane and an uncovered stand positioned before La Chapelle. The circuit accommodates up to 100,000 spectators, with natural grass bank areas available for general admission ticket holders. The compact, technical layout suits trackside viewing exceptionally well, as numerous corners ensure action remains visible across much of the venue.
Located on Le Mans' southern edge, the circuit is accessible via Gare du Mans station, approximately one hour's walk away or a 15-minute taxi journey. Tram line T1 and bus line 5 both serve the circuit, whilst dedicated shuttle services operate during MotoGP weekends from the station and city centre. The Musée des 24 Heures du Mans sits at the main entrance to the complex.
Best grandstands at Circuit Bugatti
The main grandstand overlooking the pit straight and Dunlop Bridge is the premier viewing location at Bugatti, offering direct sightlines along the longest acceleration zone on the circuit where speeds exceed 322 km/h. This stand provides the best vantage point for watching overtaking moves and hard braking into the opening sequence of corners.
Dunlop Chicane covered grandstand
Positioned at the Dunlop chicane, this covered grandstand offers shelter whilst viewing the Dunlop curve and the sharp left-right turn that follows, making it a practical choice if weather is a concern. The Dunlop section is a technical area where driver precision becomes critical.
La Chapelle uncovered grandstand
Located before La Chapelle, this uncovered grandstand provides views of the right-handed hairpin that descends downhill from Turn 5. This corner often produces interesting racing as riders navigate the tight radius change in elevation.
For budget-conscious spectators, natural grass bank areas are available for general admission. Camping chairs are permitted on these natural grandstands, allowing you to settle in comfortably, though tents and beach shelters are not allowed. The compact layout of Bugatti means that action is visible across much of the venue, so even general admission areas offer good sightlines of the technical corners and hairpin sections.
Getting to Circuit Bugatti
Circuit Bugatti sits on the southern edge of Le Mans. The nearest major transport hub is Gare du Mans railway station, approximately a one-hour walk away or a 15-minute taxi journey. The station has high-speed train connections to major French cities across the country, making it accessible from Paris and beyond via the A11 motorway, which leads directly toward Le Mans.
Public transport options from the station include tram line T1 (SETRAM), which runs to the Antarès stop near the circuit, and line 5 bus (BHNS), a frequent fast bus service with stops a 10-minute walk from the North Gate (Porte Nord). During MotoGP weekends, dedicated shuttle services operate from Le Mans train station and city centre areas directly to the circuit.
If arriving by car, parking is available during major events, though advance booking and early arrival are strongly recommended to secure a space. Allow extra time on race day to navigate the roads leading to the circuit, as traffic around Le Mans increases significantly during high-profile racing events.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Circuit Bugatti located?+
Circuit Bugatti is located on the southern edge of Le Mans in the Sarthe department of the Pays de la Loire region, France. It forms part of the wider Circuit de la Sarthe complex.
How long is the Bugatti Circuit?+
The current configuration of Circuit Bugatti is 4.185 kilometres long and runs clockwise. The pit straight measures 674 metres.
What racing events are held at Circuit Bugatti?+
Circuit Bugatti is the permanent home of the French MotoGP Grand Prix and also hosts the 24 Hour truck race, the FIA GP2 Championship, French Touring Car, and GT races.
When was Circuit Bugatti opened?+
Circuit Bugatti opened in 1965. The track was designed by Charles Deutsch and constructed in only a few months, taking advantage of existing pit, paddock, and grandstand facilities from the 24 Hours circuit.
How do I get from Le Mans train station to the circuit?+
From Gare du Mans, you can take tram line T1 (SETRAM) to the Antarès stop near the circuit, use line 5 bus (BHNS) with stops a 10-minute walk from the North Gate, or take a taxi, which takes about 15 minutes. During MotoGP weekends, dedicated shuttle services also operate from the station and city centre.
What is the maximum spectator capacity at Circuit Bugatti?+
The circuit can comfortably accommodate up to 100,000 spectators.
Are camping chairs allowed on the natural grandstands?+
Yes, camping chairs are permitted on the natural grass bank areas available for general admission spectators. However, tents and beach shelters are not allowed.
What are the weather conditions like during the French MotoGP at Bugatti?+
The circuit has an oceanic climate, and since the French MotoGP round runs before peak summer, races often feature cool temperatures and the possibility of rainfall.
