A new LMP3 series has been launched this week, this time in China, named the FRD LMP3 Series, which will adopt a sprint race format over its five rounds spanning China and Malaysia.
The new championship, which is supported by the ACO will hold its inaugural race next May at the Shanghai International Circuit. At each round there will be a single 60-minute sprint race.
In terms of rules, each team will enter a pair of ACO-eligable LMP3 cars, one with a Chinese national driver, and one with an international professional driver. So far top teams including KCMG, Eurasia and Craft Bamboo have confirmed entries into the series.
“Never has there been a sprint prototype championship in China and this will make for the most exciting and unique racing series in the region,” said FRD LMP3 founder Kenneth Ma. “FRD will introduce a higher standard of international racing to China and raise the sport to new heights with this one of a kind platform.
“With one compulsory professional international driver and one Chinese race car driver per team, this will ensure the highest quality competition Asia has ever seen. With the support of Asian Le Mans and the ACO, the opportunities for the winning driver and team are exceptional and will allow them to compete against the best in the world at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”
The prize handed to the winners of the inaugural championship is a valuable one. The team which wins will receive a Ligier JS P2 car for free use, as well as a free entry into the next Asian Le Mans Series.
Onroak Automotive will also hand the team an LMP2 car to use at Le Mans should the team win the 2017/18 AsLMS championship, as well as handle the running costs and entry fee.
2017 calendar:
May 14 – Shanghai
June 4 – Zhejiang
July 23 – Sepang
Aug. 27 – Shanghai
Sept. 17 – Zhuhai
