Bugatti marked the centenary of one of the world’s most celebrated motorsport events, Le Mans, by unveiling the Bolide to the public for the first time. The brand’s high-performance track-only hyper sports car was driven by a renowned and highly decorated driver, highlighting Bugatti’s significant connection to Le Mans’ history.
Over ten decades, Bugatti has made unforgettable contributions to the Le Mans 24 Hours, cementing its status as a luxury brand. This centenary celebration was no different, with Bugatti creating another memorable experience for the spectators.
The Bugatti Bolide had its inaugural public track lap at the Le Mans 24 Hours circuit, generating waves of excitement, admiration, and awe among the spectators. The anticipation heightened when Andy Wallace, the 1988 Le Mans winner and a Bugatti official pilot since 2011, helmed the Bolide for a riveting lap.
Andy, one of the world’s premier endurance racers and one of the few to have won the Triple Crown of endurance racing, was the perfect choice to pilot the Bolide’s maiden public lap. Sharing his experience, Andy stated: “Driving the Bolide at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours was an extraordinary experience. The crowd’s energy and their connection to the car will be a lifelong memory for me. The Bolide, in every aspect, is a true racing car with exceptional high-performance capabilities, delivering breath-taking experiences.”
Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles, added: “Unveiling a masterpiece like the Bolide at Le Mans’ 100th anniversary epitomizes the deep-rooted connection between Bugatti and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. We are immensely proud to have added another historic moment to Le Mans, one that will be eternally treasured.”
At the core of the Bolide is Bugatti’s iconic 8.0-litre W16 engine encased in an aerodynamically efficient carbon body. The Bolide’s brake system, an essential component for its peak performance, was innovatively designed by Brembo S.p.A., a leading Italian automotive brake technology firm.
This centenary celebration was further amplified by the presence of two iconic Bugatti cars – the EB110S “Le Mans” and the Bugatti Type 50S. The EB110S, which participated in the Le Mans race in 1994, and the Type 50S, which competed in the early 1930s, were part of the weekend event, adding an element of timeless appeal that is quintessentially Bugatti. The first public appearance of the Bolide, coupled with the showcase of the EB110S and Type 50S, made the historic motorsport gathering an extraordinary spectacle, underscoring Bugatti’s unique legacy.
