2017 ASIAN LE MANS SPRINT CUP
After a first season held over three events in Sepang this year, the Asian Le Mans Sprint Cup will come back to Sepang next year with some changes.
The newest ACO series in Asia open to LMP3, CN and GT Cup cars will evolve from 3 to 4 events of two 60’ race each to be held from April to August at the Sepang International Circuit.
In order to keep adapting to the customers needs a Pro/Am and Am classifications will be introduced.
Calendar*
7/9 April 2017 (Sepang, Malaysia)
5/7 May 2017 (Sepang, Malaysia)
21/23 July 2017 (Sepang, Malaysia)
18/20 August 2017 (Sepang, Malaysia)
*Provisional until FIA approval
Launch of the LMP3 Asian Le Mans Challenge
In order to strengthen the teams’ LMP3 business model and racing opportunities in Asia it has been decided to create a global LMP3 classification combining both the Asian Le Mans Sprint Cup and Asian Le Mans Series. This comprehensive platform for LMP3 teams mixing Sprint and Endurance racing (9 events and 13 races) will include team and driver classifications.
A brochure including further details and incentive package will be released soon.
2017/2018 ASIAN LE MANS SERIES
After a promising 2015/2016 Asian Le Mans Series relaunch and a consistent 30 car grid for the 2016/2017 season it is has been decided:
- To move from a 4 to a 5 event calendar for next year.
- To return to China and race twice in this country
- To visit a new circuit
Calendar*
Zhejiang, China: 5/7 or 13/15 October 2017 (TBC)
Zhuhai, China: 27/29 October 2017
Fuji, Japan: 1/3 December 2017
Buriram, Thailand: 5/7 January 2018
Sepang, Malaysia: 19/21 January 2018
*Provisional until FIA approval
COOPERATION WITH GT ASIA
As a natural continuation of the relationship established with GT Asia since 2015, both series have decided to go further.
In addition to keeping on working on non-clashing calendars, a cooperation will start on Scrutineering, BOP and the following incentives:
- The winner of the 2016/2017 Asian Le Mans Series GT class will get a free entry in the 2017 GT Asia Series
- The winner of the 2017 GT Asia Series will get a free entry in the 2017/2018 Asian Le Mans Series (GT class)
Creation of the Michelin Asia GT Challenge
To be able to offer GT teams an extended racing platform combining Sprint and Endurance the new Michelin Asia GT Challenge will consist of the combination of the GT Asia and Asian Le Mans Series GT3 classifications.
It will include:
- A team and driver classification (Reserved for full season entrants in both series)
- Prize money for the first three teams (the details of which will be released soon)
Last but not least, the ACO has decided to grant the winning team of the 2017 Michelin Asia GT Challenge with an invitation to the 2018 Le Mans 24H in the LMGTE Am class.
This outstanding prize along with the above listed news shows again the very strong commitment of the ACO towards teams and drivers racing in Asia.
Cyrille Taesch Wahlen, Asian Le Mans Managing Director: “The growing support from all our stakeholders and customers has given Asian Le Mans the opportunity to enter into a new chapter with our two very much linked series. We now have a complete LMP3 offer, now including 13 races over 9 events in 2017. Furthermore, our cooperation with David Sonensher’s GT Asia and our long term Michelin partner will contribute to establish a stronger intercontinental platform for GT Racing in Asia through the Michelin Asia GT Challenge.”
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “The major step forward taken by the Asian Le Mans for the upcoming seasons demonstrates the ACO commitment to promote Prototype and GT Racing for teams and drivers in Asia through bigger events as well as strong and innovative partnerships. The environment that we are building in this region of the world should undoubtedly become the perfect springboard for Asian teams on their way to Le Mans.”