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Discounting the slight change in elevation to the Mulsanne "hump" last year, the layout of the Sarthe circuit has this year undergone its first major change since 1990. Also there is an impressive facelift to the ACO grandstand currently underway. But the temporary grandstands of 2001 look set to stay for another year at least.
The length of the track will be extended by 275 metres to 13.880 kilometres. The change is in fact to benefit the Bugatti circuit and the work has been effected at the request of the "F.I.M." (International Motorbike Federation) to produce a better and safer entry to the Chapelle Bend.  The effect on the full circuit will mean a sweep to the left immediately after the Dunlop Bridge, before swinging back to pick up the original entry to the Esses. The opportunity is also being taken whilst these works are in progress to install several new gravel beds and run-off areas, pushing the old fairground and spectator enclosures further back, all at a cost of 15 million French Francs.  photo courtesy of Panoz Motor Sports The six factory Panoz drivers took a walk of the new stretch on the Friday before the preliminary tests and are pictured above looking down towards the Esses and below, the camera is facing back up towards the Dunlop Bridge, which incidentally has been renovated this year.  photo courtesy of Panoz Motor Sports |
