The Asian Le Mans Series has issued details of the rules that will apply for the new-for- 2026/27 Pro-Am Hypercar class.
The driver line-ups will mirror those for LMP2 in the Series with a mandatory Bronze driver and a maximum of one Platinum rate driver.
The statement goes on to clarify the reasoning:
“Why are we choosing these rules?
“Our main goal is to avoid pure factory (all-professional) line-ups in the Asian Le Mans Series Hypercar class. By setting these limits, we give independent teams the freedom to create many different, exciting driver combinations.
“Additionally, a key aim of this new rule is to give a true and meaningful role to Gold drivers. This structure ensures that Gold-rated drivers remain a valuable and essential part of a winning team.
“By adopting the exact same criteria as LMP2 Pro/Am, we are leaning on a format that has already proven to be highly successful. We are confident this will create a fantastic mix of drivers and deliver incredible Hypercar racing in the Asian Le Mans Series!”
Interest from Ferrari (AF Corse) and Peugeot (BBM Sport) has been made public with potential Porsche programmes under consideration from Proton Competition and Algarve Pro Racing (but unconfirmed). A potential privately entered Acura is now understood to be off the table and, despite some public statements indicating the availability of both the Vanwall and Isotta Fraschini neither outfit appear to be close to a race deal.
Calendar Decision Awaited
The clarification comes as a decision on the Series’ calendar looms closer, together with that for the end of the current season in the FIA WEC.
Whilst no formal calendar has been released DSC believes that the initial intention was to move the back-to-back double headers in the UAE (at Dubai Autodrome and Yas Marina) to December with the season finale at Sepang early in the New Year.
Since the turmoil that has resulted from the Israeli/ US conflict with Iran, though, there has been significant doubt around the willingness and/ or ability for teams, drivers and suppliers to race in the region.
Difficulties with logistics and, potentially crucially, insurance, have been cited to DSC as ongoing matters of significant concern by industry sources.
The alternative, should the decision be taken to avoid the Middle East, looks set to be a season in Southern Europe after consideration was given too a season wholly in South East Asia, and with interests in Australia understood to have made representations to try to take the Series down-under.
Whilst the potential for a Europe-based season would be simpler and cheaper for European-based teams, even that comes with risks attached.
DSC has spoken to multiple parties potentially interested in the Hypercar class with a significant majority suggesting that there is very limited interest amongst their current client base in racing Hypercars in potentially poor weather conditions at the price point (multiples of the current LMP2 budgets) that would be necessary.
