The return of the Asian Le Mans Series to their quick-fire four x four hour season format in the UAE in February has again proven to be a popular choice for teams from both Europe, and increasingly (and encouragingly) from Asia with a record season entry of 48 cars revealed today.
The total includes nine LMP2 entries, 15 LMP3 entries and 24 in the GT3 class. That equates to the biggest ever entries for the Series in both LMP3 and GT3 and the biggest full season grid of current spec LMP2 cars too (the 2019/20 grid had an 11 car LMP2 entry but with a mix of current Gibson powered cars and LMP2 Am pre-2017 spec cars).
The Championship winning teams from two classes return in defence of their titles (Nielsen Racing in LMP2, CD Sport in LMP3) and to attempt to double up their title wins and earn the automatic invitations for the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans that come alongside the Championship trophies.
Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “The Asian Le Mans Series is poised for one of its most amazing seasons yet. With a record-breaking field of 48 cars in 2023, we are in for some fierce competition! The series is of vital importance for the ACO and the variety of marques entered this season proves just how attractive it is. See you on 11 February when the flag will be lowered to launch the championship!”
Frédéric Lequien, CEO of ALMEM and LMEM:
“It is fantastic to see the Asian Le Mans Series go from strength to strength. What is particularly pleasing is the growth in prototype entries, opening this class of racing to a growing audience in the region. I look forward to what I am sure will be a stellar season!”
The 2023 season will see the return of number of Asian teams who have tasted success in the past. 2018/2019 GT Champions CarGuy will return with their #57 Ferrari 488 GT3, and 2019/2020 GT Champions HubAuto Racing will join with their Mercedes AMG GT3. HubAuto Racing remain the only Asian team to ever claim pole in the LMGTE Pro class at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Malaysian team, Viper Niza Racing, will also make a welcome return to the grid. The team raced successfully in the LMP3 class previously, however they recently announced a new partnership with Aston Martin Racing Asia and will race an Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 in the 2023 season.
Japanese team, D’Station Racing who have recently also been competing in the FIA WEC, will again be on the grid with their Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3.
Just as in the 2022 season, there will be seven different GT manufacturers represented on the grid of the 2023 Asian Le Mans Series. Making their welcome return to the Series will be Lamborghini with a Huracan GT3 EVO being raced by new team to the Series, Leipert Motorsport.
5 x Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3
1 x BMW M4 GT3
4 x Ferrari 488 GT3
1 x Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO
3 x McLaren 720S GT3
5 x Mercedes AMG GT3
5 x Porsche 911 GT3 R
New Teams:
The Asian Le Mans Series continues to attract new teams to Le Mans style racing. This season will see eight teams making their debut in the Asian Le Mans Series. They include Cool Racing, 99 Racing, WTM Racing, MV2S Racing, Leipert Motorsport, Orange Racing Powered by JMH, Pure Rxcing and GetSpeed performance.
The Asian Le Mans Series attracts teams and drivers from around the world with 33 teams from 13 different nationalities set to line up on the grid.
Calendar:
Race 1: Saturday 11th February 2023, Dubai Autodrome
Race 2: Sunday 12th February 2023, Dubai Autodrome
Race 3: Saturday 18th February 2023, Yas Marina Circuit
Race 4: Sunday 19th February 2023, Yas Marina Circuit
The full entry list, including drivers will be released closer to the start of the season.
More to follow…
