An entirely European-based calendar for the Asian Le Mans Series for 2026/27 has been revealed today, featuring six four-hour races across visits to three European circuits in a series dubbed the Winter Le Mans Series
The decision to shift the schedule to Europe comes in the wake of the uncertainty created by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, preventing the series from visiting the UAE, as it has since 2021 with double header weekends at Yas Marina and Dubai.
After considering multiple options, a plan to take the Series back to South East Asia for a pair of race weekends at Sepang and Buriram appears to have fallen foul of existing circuit bookings and logistical costs (again affected by the situation in the Middle East).
And, with further requirements to avoid clashes with Daytona and Bathurst in January and February, Championship organisers have opted to de-risk the calendar for teams, drivers and partners, as well as themselves.
The campaign will kick off with two races at Paul Ricard on November 13th – 15th, the weekend after the FIA WEC finale in Monza, potentially enabling Hypercars contesting the World Championship to take part in the opening rounds in Pro-Am hands.
After a break for Christmas and New Year, it will then resume with a weekend at the Spanish circuit Jerez – near Cadiz – on January 15th -17th, before the finale on February 19th to 21st at Portimao.
Both Paul Ricard and Portimão are mainstays on the European Le Mans Series calendar, while Jerez is an all-new circuit for ACO-rules racing. Unsurprisingly, all three venues are new to the Asian Le Mans Series.
These circuits have been chosen due to date availability, their winter climate, and because they don’t feature on the 2027 FIA WEC calendar, preventing any Hypercar manufacturers from taking part in the Asian LMS season gathering data from a circuit that the World Championship visits.
The Pro-Am Hypercar category is confirmed for its debut in the coming season.
Also confirmed is the new Asian Le Mans Cup for LMP3 and GT3 competitors, with two 2-hour races at each event.
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “2026 has proven to be exceptional, with external constraints that are completely out of our control forcing us to make decisions that are in everyone’s interests in difficult circumstances. It is with all the facts, and after consultation with all parties, the decision was taken to move the Asian Le Mans Series to Europe for the 2026/27 season.
“The Winter Le Mans Series will provide the best platform for teams and drivers to compete for one of the top prizes in endurance, the Asian Le Mans Series title and, for the LMP2 and GT3 champions, an automatic invitation to the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans. It will also be a great opportunity for fans of endurance to see Hypercars in action in the ALMS for the first time.
“Le Mans is more than a place—it is a spirit. This winter, that spirit will thrive on some of Europe’s finest circuits as we look forward to returning to Asia when conditions allow.”
Frédéric Lequien, ALMEM and LMEM CEO: “While this represents a departure from the championship’s traditional identity, it is a carefully considered decision driven by the current circumstances and made in the best interests of the series and its competitors.
“We had explored several options with regards to holding races in Asia but, because of the late changes forced on us, the availability of circuits that are able to host an ALMS event were limited and the logistical costs were significant. We also had to try and avoid a clash Daytona and Bathurst, which limited our options in Asia even further.
“Our priority remains to provide teams with a stable, competitive and clearly defined championship. This approach ensures the continuity of the series while allowing competitors to prepare for the season with confidence.
“The Asian Le Mans Series extends its sincere thanks to its teams, partners, manufacturers, drivers and fans for their continued trust and support. Although this season will feature an unprecedented format, it will retain all the excitement, competitiveness and endurance spirit that define the championship.
Stéphane Ratel, SRO Motorsports Group Founder & CEO: “While moving the Asian Le Mans Series to Europe is not ideal, the situation in the Middle East dictated that we worked to find the best solution. Between SRO, LMEM and the ACO we have a huge pool of experience to draw on, and the consensus was a Winter Le Mans Series in southern Europe was the most sensible option given the mounting external constraints.
“The championship will visit three of Europe’s premier racing venues, Le Castellet, Jerez and Portimao, each renowned for its world-class facilities and outstanding sporting challenge. Now we have a confirmed calendar we are sure that the Winter Le Mans Series will be successful and we look forward to returning to Asia for the 2027/28 season.”
2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series / Winter Le Mans Series Calendar – Provisional
- Rounds 1 & 2: 13/15 Nov 2026 – Circuit Paul Ricard
- Rounds 3 & 4: 15/17 Jan 2027 – Circuito de Jerez Ángel Nieto
- Rounds 5 & 6: 19/21 Feb 2027 – Autódromo Internacional do Algarve
