What Is 2009 Asian Le Mans Series season

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2009 Asian Le Mans Series season was the inaugural season of the endurance racing series, held across four rounds in Asia between October and December 2009, featuring GT and LMP2 classes with events in China, Japan, and Malaysia.

Key Facts

The 2009 Asian Le Mans Series began on October 31, 2009, in Zhuhai, China
It featured four rounds: Zhuhai, Okayama, Sepang, and a final in Okayama
Classes included LMP2, GT1, and GT2, with manufacturer entries from Porsche and Ferrari
The final round was held on December 13, 2009, in Japan
The series was organized by the ACO, the same body behind the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Overview

The 2009 Asian Le Mans Series marked the revival of endurance racing in Asia under the official Le Mans banner, organized by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO). This inaugural season aimed to promote sports car racing across the region with a compact calendar of four events between October and December 2009.

Hosted in China, Japan, and Malaysia, the series attracted international teams and manufacturers eager to expand their presence in Asian motorsport. It featured multiple classes including LMP2 prototypes and GT categories, emphasizing fuel-efficient technology and driver endurance.

First race: The season kicked off on October 31, 2009, at the Zhuhai International Circuit in China, a 4.3-kilometer track known for hosting international events.
Second round: Held on November 7, 2009, at the Okayama International Circuit in Japan, a 30-lap, 3-hour endurance format race.
Third round: Took place on November 28, 2009, at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, combining night racing with high humidity challenges.
Final round: Concluded on December 13, 2009, returning to Okayama for a season finale that decided multiple class championships.
Organizing body: The series was sanctioned by the ACO, the same organization responsible for the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship.

How It Works

The Asian Le Mans Series followed a format similar to the European Le Mans Series, with each round consisting of a single long-distance race emphasizing reliability, fuel strategy, and driver rotation.

Endurance Format: Each race lasted approximately 3 hours, requiring teams to manage tire wear, pit stops, and driver changes under strict regulations.
Car Classes: The series featured LMP2 (Le Mans Prototype 2), GT1, and GT2 categories, allowing both factory-backed and privateer entries.
Eligibility: Teams needed to register with the ACO and meet technical specifications, including mandatory use of fuel-efficient engines and safety standards.
Scoring System: Points were awarded based on finishing position, with class winners earning 25 points, decreasing incrementally down to 1 point.
Driver Requirements: Each car required at least two drivers, with mandatory driver changes and minimum drive times enforced during races.
Technical Regulations: All vehicles adhered to ACO’s 2009 sporting rules, including weight limits, aerodynamic restrictions, and engine displacement caps.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2009 Asian Le Mans Series with its European counterpart and other endurance series:

Series	Rounds	Duration	Classes	Organizer
Asian Le Mans 2009	4	Oct–Dec 2009	LMP2, GT1, GT2	ACO
European Le Mans 2009	6	Apr–Oct 2009	LMP1, LMP2, GT1	ACO
ALMS 2009	10	Mar–Oct 2009	LMP1, LMP2, GT1, GT2	IMSA
Super Taikyu 2009	7	May–Dec 2009	GT3, ST-Z	STA
24H Series 2009	5	Jan–Dec 2009	GT, Touring	Crowdstreet

The 2009 Asian Le Mans Series had fewer rounds than its European counterpart but focused on high-quality tracks and international participation. While smaller in scale than the American Le Mans Series, it served as a regional platform for teams aiming to qualify for Le Mans. Its structure mirrored global endurance formats, but with a regional focus on Asian circuits and audiences.

Why It Matters

The 2009 season laid the foundation for future expansion of the Asian Le Mans Series, influencing motorsport development across the continent. It provided a competitive platform for emerging Asian teams and drivers while attracting European manufacturers.

Regional Growth: The series helped expand endurance racing in Asia, encouraging circuits in Thailand, South Korea, and India to pursue similar events.
Le Mans Qualification: Top finishers earned automatic entries into the 24 Hours of Le Mans, increasing competitive stakes.
Manufacturer Involvement: Porsche, Ferrari, and Oreca participated, boosting the series’ technical credibility and visibility.
Driver Development: Young Asian drivers gained experience racing against international professionals in regulated endurance conditions.
Technological Showcase: The focus on fuel efficiency aligned with ACO’s long-term sustainability goals, influencing future LMP1 hybrid designs.
Commercial Success: Despite limited media coverage, the season attracted sponsorships from regional brands and laid groundwork for future seasons.

The 2009 Asian Le Mans Series proved that a regional endurance series could succeed under the Le Mans banner, setting a precedent for future growth and integration into the global motorsport calendar.