What Is 2017-18 Asian Le Mans Series

Overview

The 2017-18 Asian Le Mans Series served as the sixth season of the endurance racing series organized by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), the governing body behind the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Designed to promote sports car racing across Asia, the championship featured professional and amateur drivers competing in prototype and grand tourer classes.

This season emphasized global accessibility and competitive balance, offering automatic invitations to the 24 Hours of Le Mans for top-performing teams. With races spanning Malaysia, Thailand, UAE, and Japan, the series strengthened motorsport ties across the continent.

• Five-race format: The season originally planned five rounds but concluded with four due to scheduling adjustments, with races held between December 2017 and February 2018.
• Sepang International Circuit: The first round took place on December 15–17, 2017, in Malaysia, featuring full grids across all three classes.
• Buriram United International Circuit: The second round occurred on January 13–14, 2018, in Thailand, marking the series’ debut at the Chang International Circuit.
• Dubai Autodrome: The third round was held on January 20–21, 2018, in the UAE, drawing international teams and strong spectator turnout.
• Fuji Speedway: The season finale occurred on February 18, 2018, in Japan, concluding the championship under clear skies and intense competition.

How It Works

The Asian Le Mans Series follows a structured endurance racing format, with each round consisting of multiple races lasting between 2 and 4 hours. The series uses ACO regulations and classifies entries into LMP2, LMP3, and GT categories.

• LMP2 Class:Professional teams compete in 4.0L V8-powered prototypes, with a minimum of three drivers per car and mandatory pit stops. These cars are eligible for automatic 24 Hours of Le Mans entries.
• LMP3 Class:Entry-level prototypes use 5.2L Nissan V8 engines, aimed at young drivers and amateur squads. The class emphasizes driver development and cost control, with chassis from Ligier, Ginetta, and others.
• GT Class:GT3-spec vehicles from manufacturers like Porsche, Ferrari, and Mercedes-AMG compete in the GT category. These cars mirror international GT racing standards and attract regional teams.
• Scoring System: Points are awarded based on finishing position, with 25 points for first place and decreasing increments. Teams accumulate points across all rounds to determine champions.
• Driver Requirements: Each car must include at least one bronze or silver-rated driver per ACO classification, ensuring competitive balance between professionals and amateurs.
• Le Mans Qualification: Winning teams in LMP2 and LMP3 classes receive automatic invitations to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a major incentive for top squads.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2017-18 Asian Le Mans Series compared across its three primary classes:

The table highlights the diversity in performance and participation across classes. LMP2 proved the most competitive, with factory-backed teams dominating, while LMP3 and GT categories provided platforms for emerging talent and regional teams. The distribution of 23 teams across 35 cars reflected strong regional interest.

Why It Matters

The 2017-18 season played a pivotal role in expanding endurance racing’s footprint in Asia and reinforcing the ACO’s global outreach strategy. By offering Le Mans access, the series elevated regional competition to international significance.

• Pathway to Le Mans: The series became a key qualifier for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, giving Asian teams a realistic route to the world’s most prestigious endurance race.
• Driver Development: Young talents gained experience in regulated prototype racing, preparing them for WEC or ELMS campaigns in Europe.
• Regional Growth: Circuits in Thailand and UAE hosted events, expanding the sport’s reach beyond traditional hubs like Japan and China.
• Team Exposure: Privateer teams like KCMG and DC Racing gained international recognition through strong performances.
• Manufacturer Involvement: Brands like Oreca, Ligier, and Porsche used the series to showcase chassis and engine reliability.
• Cost Efficiency: Compared to European series, the Asian Le Mans Series offered lower travel and logistics costs, attracting budget-conscious teams.

The 2017-18 season demonstrated the viability of a pan-Asian endurance championship, blending high-level competition with developmental opportunities. Its success laid the foundation for future expansion and deeper motorsport integration across the region.