The 24 hours of Le Mans race, originally called the Grand Prix of Endurance, is considered one of the greatest, most prestigious long distance races for sports cars. The race has been held annually since 1923, on a circuit containing closed public roads called the Circuite de la Sarthe in La Mans, Sarthe, France. The race has proven to be a major test for auto endurance, and has demanded that cars are built to be highly reliable, aerodynamic and fuel efficient. Porsche is a car make closely associated with the event, having had a spectacular performance history at Le Mans, with 16 overall victories.