The 2010 Le Mans series calendar revealed

At the same time as the past season is officially declared over and many guests are gathered at the Le Mans circuit for the 2009 prize giving ceremony, the complete 2010 calendar is finally disclosed. Five races for this seventh season, including some novelties.

First of all, the opening race of the season will be held on the Castellet circuit and will last 8 hours. After the success of the night race on the Portimão circuit in 2009, the experience will be repeated and reinforced with two nocturnal races: once again in Algarve, and in Hungary. The 1000 Km of Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone, firmly rooted in the Le Mans Series tradition, conserve their format and date.

THE 8 HOURS OF THE CASTELLET (9/10/11 APRIL)

The first race of the 2010 Le Mans Series season will be held on the Castellet circuit, in the south of France, on 9, 10 and 11 April. This circuit, both ultra modern and firmly rooted in the history of motor sports which has just reopened its doors to the public, has welcomed the Official Tests of the Series since 2004 and will do so again in 2010 on 7 and 8 March.

For an exceptional race, an exceptional format! The opening of the season will not be done with the usual 1000 Km schema (or 6 hours), but will last 8 hours with a late morning start and an arrival at sunset around 7pm.

Note that this round will award the same number of points as a 6 hour race, only races 50% longer than the usual 1000 Km distance count double.

THE 1000 KM OF SPA FRANCORCHAMPS (7/8/9 MAY)

This race is now a traditional meeting for all Endurance racing enthusiasts. Always held in May, it is the last race before the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Belgian track, winding and hilly is a big challenge for the drivers but also for the machines and remains one of the favourite circuits of all motor sports lovers.

In front of the many enthusiastic spectators, the line-up for the start is often the biggest of the season. This year, the tradition of the Belgian race will no doubt be respected.

THE 1000 KM OF ALGARVE (15/16/17 JULY)

The first edition on Portuguese soil in 2009 was a success: summer ambiance, high tech circuit, a present public... everything combined to make this meeting one the series musts! The Le Mans Series competitors will return to the Portimão circuit for this night race after having had time to recover from the 24 hour race.

THE 1000 KM OF HUNGARORING (21/22 AUGUST)

Another novelty for Le Mans Series: Hungary. The race, which will be held over two days, will be the season’s second night race.

The Hungaroring circuit, 19 Km from Budapest, is nicknamed the "Turnstile". Measuring 4,381 Km, it is very narrow and winding. Built along a natural valley and flanking the hillsides, its natural implantation allows an 80% visibility of the circuit for practically all the spectators, wherever they may be. It will be a first for the teams who will discover during this
nocturnal race, life… "by night" in Hungary!

THE AUTOSPORT 1000 KM OF SILVERSTONE (10/11/12 SEPTEMBER)

Another Le Mans Series classic: the 1000 Km of Silverstone. Traditionally established as final race of the season, the 2010 edition will respect the rule. Held over 3 days, the British race is always one of all challenges for the teams and drivers, such as Jean-Christophe Boullion in 2009, admired by all for his incredible comeback trying to win against all odds until the very last moment. The British soil witnesses these heroes’ assaults. Very Shakespearian, isn’t it?