Everything you need to know about the 2026/27 ALMS season

The 2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series (ALMS) will begin at Circuit Paul Ricard on 13–15 November, introducing a significantly revised championship as Hypercar joins LMP2 and GT3 for the first time. The new season will feature six four-hour races across three European circuits, marking an unusual departure from the championship’s traditional winter calendar in Asia and the Middle East.

A provisional 46-car entry list has been confirmed for the opening double-header at Le Castellet, comprising two Ferrari 499P Hypercars, 16 LMP2 prototypes and 28 GT3 cars representing eight manufacturers. Although organisers initially announced a maximum-capacity 47-car full-season entry, the withdrawal of one GT3 competitor has reduced the opening field by one car.

The introduction of Hypercar represents the championship’s most significant sporting development, with Cetilar Racing and AF Corse set to contest the inaugural season using Ferrari’s Le Mans-winning 499P. Meanwhile, the LMP2 category remains highly competitive, with defending champions CrowdStrike Racing by APR facing opposition from established teams including United Autosports, Inter Europol Competition and Algarve Pro Racing.

GT3 will again form the largest category, with several championship-winning organisations and experienced drivers returning alongside new entrants. The season will also provide an opportunity for LMP2 and GT3 competitors to secure invitations to the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Why is the 2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series taking place in Europe?

The decision to hold the entire 2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series season in Europe follows continued geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East, which has affected the championship’s ability to maintain its traditional winter schedule.

Organisers initially explored alternatives in Asia, including potential events at Sepang and Buriram. However, the availability of suitable circuits during the winter months proved limited, while the logistical costs associated with transporting the championship between venues presented additional challenges.

The revised calendar also needed to avoid clashes with other major international endurance racing events, particularly the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the Bathurst 12 Hour.

As a result, organisers selected three established European circuits capable of accommodating the championship’s substantial grid. Circuit Paul Ricard, Circuito de Jerez and the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve will each host two four-hour races across a single weekend.

The temporary relocation and its effect on the championship have also influenced preparations for the introduction of Hypercar. Nevertheless, the strong LMP2 and GT3 entries demonstrate that the series continues attracting international competitors despite the geographical change.

2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series calendar: Six races across three circuits

The championship will retain its established double-header format, with two four-hour races scheduled during each event weekend.

Circuit Paul Ricard will host the opening round in November, providing a familiar starting point for teams already competing in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and other international GT championships.

Following a two-month break, the championship will resume at Circuito de Jerez in January before concluding at Portimão in February.

The three venues will provide contrasting challenges, particularly through their different corner configurations, tyre demands and overtaking opportunities.

Full 2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series calendar

1. Round 1 — 4 Hours of Le Castellet
   14 November 2026 — Circuit Paul Ricard, France
2. Round 2 — 4 Hours of Le Castellet
   15 November 2026 — Circuit Paul Ricard, France
3. Round 3 — 4 Hours of Jerez
   16 January 2027 — Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto, Spain
4. Round 4 — 4 Hours of Jerez
   17 January 2027 — Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto, Spain
5. Round 5 — 4 Hours of Portimão
   20 February 2027 — Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Portugal
6. Round 6 — 4 Hours of Portimão
   21 February 2027 — Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Portugal

The complete event weekends run from 13–15 November, 15–17 January and 19–21 February, allowing time for practice, qualifying and the two races at each circuit.

New class structure: Hypercar replaces LMP3 in the main championship

The 2026/27 season introduces a major change to the championship’s class structure, with Hypercar joining LMP2 and GT3.

Previously, the Asian Le Mans Series featured LMP2, LMP3 and GT3 machinery. However, the introduction of Hypercar has prompted organisers to separate the LMP3 category from the main championship.

The revised structure brings ALMS closer to the prototype hierarchy used in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), while retaining the Pro-Am character that has traditionally formed an important part of its competition.

Hypercar will serve as the highest category, featuring the Ferrari 499P during its inaugural campaign. LMP2 will continue using the established Oreca 07-Gibson, while GT3 competitors will race production-based machinery developed by eight manufacturers.

The change also allows teams such as Cetilar Racing to progress from LMP2 into Hypercar while remaining within the same championship.

Although the initial Hypercar field contains only two cars, the substantial LMP2 and GT3 participation ensures that the series will continue featuring a competitive multi-class grid.

LMP3 moves to the new Asian Le Mans Cup

The removal of LMP3 from the main championship has coincided with the introduction of the Asian Le Mans Cup, a separate support series designed to provide an additional step within the endurance racing ladder.

Announced during the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans, the new championship will accommodate LMP3 Pro, LMP3 and GT3 machinery.

Unlike the Asian Le Mans Series, which features four-hour races, the Asian Le Mans Cup will contest two-hour events. Both championships will share the same three European event weekends, beginning at Circuit Paul Ricard before visiting Jerez and Portimão.

The inaugural Asian Le Mans Cup entry list includes 18 cars across its three categories, with several established prototype racing organisations participating.

The new structure provides additional opportunities for drivers progressing from junior single-seater racing or national endurance categories into international prototypes.

It also creates a clearer distinction between the main ALMS championship, which now includes Hypercar machinery, and a support series focused on developing competitors in LMP3 and GT3.

Race format and the pathway to the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans

Each Asian Le Mans Series race will last four hours, with driving duties shared between competitors of different FIA driver classifications.

The championship’s Pro-Am structure remains important across all three categories. Hypercar crews must include at least one Bronze-rated driver, allowing amateur competitors to race alongside experienced professionals in top-level prototype machinery.

Similar driver categorisation requirements apply within LMP2 and GT3, creating line-ups that combine professional endurance racers with Bronze-rated competitors.

Teams must therefore balance outright speed with consistency across the complete race distance. Pit-stop execution, driver changes, tyre management and traffic navigation will be particularly important, especially with 46 cars expected at the opening event.

The condensed six-race format also means individual results can have a substantial effect on the championship standings. A retirement or prolonged technical issue could prove costly when only six opportunities are available to score points.

Beyond championship honours, successful competitors can also earn invitations to the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans. The LMP2 champion will receive an automatic invitation, while the GT championship also offers a route to Le Mans.

Hypercar makes its Asian Le Mans Series debut with two Ferrari 499Ps

The introduction of Hypercar represents the headline development for the 2026/27 season, with two Ferrari 499Ps forming the category’s inaugural field.

Both entries will benefit from the experience of AF Corse, which has played a central role in Ferrari’s international Hypercar programmes.

Cetilar Racing will step up from LMP2 after finishing runner-up during the previous ALMS campaign. Roberto Lacorte will share the #47 Ferrari with his son Nicola and Ferrari factory driver Antonio Fuoco, who secured overall victory at Le Mans in 2024.

The programme represents another significant milestone for Cetilar, which has previously competed in the WEC, IMSA and other international endurance championships.

The team has also unveiled a distinctive blue and green livery for its Ferrari 499P, maintaining the colours associated with its previous programmes.

Meanwhile, AF Corse will operate the #90 Ferrari for Luís Pérez Companc, Yifei Ye and Nicklas Nielsen. Both professional drivers bring Le Mans-winning experience and considerable familiarity with the 499P.

Ferrari 499P programmes prepare for inaugural Hypercar title battle

Although the Hypercar category attracted interest from several manufacturers and private teams during its development, only the two Ferrari programmes have been confirmed for the opening season.

Their participation nevertheless introduces a new sporting dimension to ALMS, allowing the championship to feature machinery competing at the highest level of international endurance racing.

The two cars will also provide an interesting comparison between different driver combinations. Cetilar Racing brings together an established family partnership and a factory driver, while AF Corse combines Pérez Companc with two experienced Hypercar competitors.

Both programmes will contest all six races, providing Ferrari with the complete inaugural Hypercar grid.

The confirmation of the two Ferrari entries also established the Pro-Am structure of the new category, with each line-up required to include a Bronze-rated driver.

Despite the limited field, the championship’s new class provides private competitors with an opportunity to race current-generation Hypercar machinery outside the WEC.

Hypercar — Complete provisional entry list

1. #47 Cetilar Racing — Ferrari 499P
   Roberto Lacorte, Nicola Lacorte and Antonio Fuoco
2. #90 AF Corse — Ferrari 499P
   Luís Pérez Companc, Yifei Ye and Nicklas Nielsen

Total entries: Two Ferrari 499Ps.

LMP2: Sixteen Oreca-Gibsons contest championship and Le Mans invitation

LMP2 remains one of the most competitive categories in the Asian Le Mans Series, with 16 Oreca 07-Gibsons entered for the opening round.

The field equals the championship’s previous record and includes several established endurance racing organisations, many of which have enjoyed success in the ELMS, WEC, IMSA or at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

CrowdStrike Racing by APR returns as the defending champion, with George Kurtz and Louis Delétraz joined by Laurin Heinrich in the #4 Oreca. The team will attempt to secure another championship following its successful 2025/26 campaign.

Algarve Pro Racing will also operate two cars under its own name, beginning with the #25 entry for Michael Jensen, Enzo Trulli and Malthe Jakobsen. The trio recently secured the 2026 ELMS LMP2 Pro/Am title and will aim to continue that partnership.

The team’s second entry brings together Jens Reno Møller, Theodor Jensen and Charlie Wurz, with the Austrian preparing for his prototype racing debut.

The three-car Algarve Pro Racing programme therefore combines established championship-winning drivers with competitors developing their endurance racing careers.

United Autosports and Inter Europol strengthen LMP2 competition

United Autosports will field two cars after securing the 2026 ELMS LMP2 Championship, bringing another established title-winning organisation to the grid.

Giorgio Roda, Ian Aguilera and Sting Ray Robb will share the #22 Oreca, while Phil Fayer, Hunter McElrea and Mikkel Jensen compete in the #2. The latter trio already has experience competing together in IMSA, potentially providing an advantage during the condensed race weekends.

Inter Europol Competition also returns with two entries following another successful season in international prototype racing. The Polish team has confirmed its complete driver combinations, with Bijoy Garg, Niels Koolen and Antoine Comeau sharing the #34.

Meanwhile, Nick Yelloly will join Cian Shields and Torsten Kratz in the #43, adding further endurance racing experience to the programme.

The field also features DKR Engineering, Nielsen Racing, CLX Motorsport, Duqueine Team, Proton Competition, Team Virage and AF Corse.

With an automatic Le Mans invitation available to the championship winner, the LMP2 competition carries additional significance beyond the six individual race results.

LMP2 entry list: Cars #2–#24

All 16 LMP2 competitors will use the Oreca 07-Gibson. The following combinations reflect the provisional Le Castellet entry list, with subsequently announced driver confirmations incorporated where available.

1. #2 United Autosports — Phil Fayer, Hunter McElrea and Mikkel Jensen
2. #3 DKR Engineering — Tom Van Rompuy, Laurents Hörr and one driver to be confirmed
3. #4 CrowdStrike Racing by APR — George Kurtz, Laurin Heinrich and Louis Delétraz
4. #11 Proton Competition — Georgios Kolovos, Victor Martins and Charles Milesi
5. #16 Team Virage — Jacek Zielonka, Leo Robinson and Jonathan Browne
6. #20 Algarve Pro Racing — Jens Reno Møller, Theodor Jensen and Charlie Wurz
7. #22 United Autosports — Giorgio Roda, Ian Aguilera and Sting Ray Robb
8. #24 Nielsen Racing — Steven Thomas, Max Garcia and Scott Huffaker

LMP2 entry list: Cars #25–#83

The second half of the field includes several previous championship winners and established prototype racing teams.

Algarve Pro Racing’s #25 is among the leading contenders following its ELMS success, while Inter Europol Competition will operate two cars with a mixture of experienced endurance drivers and younger competitors.

AF Corse will also field two Oreca-Gibsons alongside its Hypercar and GT3 programmes, making it the only organisation represented in all three ALMS classes.

9. #25 Algarve Pro Racing — Michael Jensen, Enzo Trulli and Malthe Jakobsen
10. #30 Duqueine Team — Antti Rammo, Gianmarco Pradel and August Raber
11. #34 Inter Europol Competition — Antoine Comeau, Bijoy Garg and Niels Koolen
12. #37 CLX Motorsport — Louis Stern, Adrien Closmenil and Matthieu Vaxivière
13. #43 Inter Europol Competition — Torsten Kratz, Cian Shields and Nick Yelloly
14. #55 AF Corse — Alex Dimirdjian, Phil Hanson and Jack Doohan
15. #66 Proton Competition — Horst Felbermayr, Horst Felix Felbermayr and Ferdinand Habsburg
16. #83 AF Corse — Jeremy Clarke, Julien Andlauer and Nicolas Varrone

Total entries: 16 Oreca 07-Gibsons.

GT3: Twenty-eight cars and eight manufacturers prepare for competitive season

GT3 will form the largest category at the opening Le Castellet double-header, with 28 cars representing eight manufacturers.

Mercedes-AMG supplies the largest number of entries, with seven GT3 Evos. Porsche follows with six 911 GT3 R Evos, while Ferrari and Aston Martin each contribute four cars.

McLaren, Lamborghini and Ford will each be represented by two entries, while BMW completes the field with a single M4 GT3 Evo.

The category combines several previous ALMS champions with established international GT3 teams, creating a competitive field that includes participants from the WEC, GT World Challenge Europe and other major championships.

The GT3 entry has decreased slightly from the original 29-car allocation announced for the full season. Dragon Racing’s Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo is absent from the latest opening-round entry list, leaving 28 competitors.

Nevertheless, the field remains substantial, with teams such as Manthey, Garage 59, Heart of Racing, CarGuy Racing, AF Corse, Team WRT and Proton Competition preparing for the six-race campaign.

CarGuy Racing and Manthey headline GT3 championship contenders

Reigning GT champion Kessel Racing will aim to maintain its successful association with the championship through the #57 CarGuy Racing Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo.

Takeshi Kimura will share the car with Mathys Jaubert and Esteban Masson, bringing together drivers with substantial experience in international GT competition.

The combination follows Kessel’s successful 2025/26 campaign, when Dustin Blattner, Dennis Marschall and Chris Lulham secured the championship. However, the upcoming season will feature a different driver line-up, with Kimura, Jaubert and Masson taking over the title defence.

Manthey will also return with two Porsche 911 GT3 R Evos, bringing a mixture of experienced endurance competitors and emerging talent.

The #91 entry features Joel Monegro, Flynt Schuring and Richard Lietz, while the #92 will be shared by Max Moritz, Raphael Rennhofer and Klaus Bachler.

The German organisation’s two-car programme adds further depth to the GT3 grid, with both cars expected to challenge against experienced international competitors.

Heart of Racing makes Asian Le Mans Series debut with two Aston Martins

American organisation Heart of Racing will make its ALMS debut with two Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evos.

Gray Newell, Eduardo Barrichello and Roman De Angelis will share the #26 Aston Martin, while Ian James, Zacharie Robichon and Mattia Drudi will contest the championship in the sister #27 entry.

The two line-ups bring experience from the WEC, IMSA and other international GT championships, with several drivers already familiar with one another through previous racing programmes.

Their established working relationships could prove valuable during the opening races, particularly as the team adapts to a new championship and different sporting requirements.

The six-driver Heart of Racing programme also continues the organisation’s international expansion while maintaining its connection to Aston Martin.

The manufacturer will additionally be represented by Car Blanche by RSL and Ecurie Ecosse Blackthorn, creating a four-car Aston Martin presence across the GT3 field.

Garage 59 combines reigning champions and emerging talent

Garage 59 will return to the championship with two McLaren 720S GT3 Evos, combining experienced title winners with younger competitors.

The #58 McLaren will feature Dustin Blattner, Thomas Fleming and Dennis Marschall. Blattner and Marschall arrive as the reigning ALMS GT champions, having secured the previous season’s title with Kessel Racing.

Their switch to McLaren machinery introduces a new challenge, although their established partnership provides continuity as they adapt to Garage 59.

The #60 entry will be shared by Marco Pulcini, Freddie Tomlinson and Joseph Loake, bringing together competitors with experience in GTWC Europe and other international GT championships.

The team’s confirmed driver combinations provide McLaren with its complete representation in the championship.

With several GT3 manufacturers competing for the title, Garage 59 will need to combine strong qualifying performances with effective race management to challenge established rivals such as Manthey, CarGuy Racing and AF Corse.

Lamborghini Temerario GT3 joins the ALMS grid

The new Lamborghini Temerario GT3 will make its Asian Le Mans Series debut during the 2026/27 season, with two organisations entering the manufacturer’s latest GT racing model.

Leipert Motorsport will field the #63 Lamborghini for Lance Bergstein, Nicolas Stati and Brendon Leitch, continuing the German team’s established association with the manufacturer.

The trio brings experience from international GT competition and Lamborghini’s one-make championships, providing a foundation as the organisation introduces new machinery.

The Leipert Motorsport programme will mark the Temerario’s first appearance in an ACO-sanctioned racing championship.

Meanwhile, DFYNE Racing Team will enter the #93 Lamborghini for Oscar Lee Ryndziewicz, Giovanni Altoè and Giacomo Altoè.

Both entries will need to adapt to the new car while competing against established GT3 machinery from seven other manufacturers, potentially creating an additional development challenge during the six-race campaign.

GT3 entry list: Mercedes-AMG

Mercedes-AMG will have the largest representation at Le Castellet, with seven GT3 Evos entered by different international organisations.

The manufacturer will be represented by established teams including GetSpeed, 2 Seas Motorsport, Winward Racing and Iron Lynx-associated programmes.

1. #7 Petrolife Racing Team — Stéphane Tribaudini, Simon Birch and Frederik Schandorff
2. #9 GetSpeed — Steve Jans, Anthony Bartone and Fabian Schiller
3. #33 2 Seas Motorsport — Charles Dawson, Christian Mansell and Kiern Jewiss
4. #46 2 Seas Motorsport — Darren Leung, Guy Albag and Chris Lulham
5. #62 Team Qatar by Iron Lynx — Abdulla Ali Al-Khelaifi, Julian Hanses and Maxime Martin
6. #87 Winward Racing — Rinat Salikhov, Gabriele Piana and Marvin Dienst
7. #88 Craft-Bamboo Iron Lynx — Ameer Naran, Mikkel Gaarde Pedersen and Luca Stolz

GT3 entry list: Porsche

Porsche will supply six 911 GT3 R Evos, with Manthey’s two-car programme forming a major part of the manufacturer’s championship challenge.

Herberth Motorsport, High Class Racing and Proton Competition will also contribute entries, bringing considerable endurance racing experience to the field.

8. #21 Herberth Motorsport — Ralf Bohn, Tom Sargent and Mathieu Jaminet
9. #54 High Class Racing — Harald Huber, Philip Lindberg and Anders Fjordbach
10. #77 Proton Competition — Matt Kurzejewski, Lenny Ried and one driver to be confirmed
11. #91 Manthey — Joel Monegro, Flynt Schuring and Richard Lietz
12. #92 Manthey — Max Moritz, Raphael Rennhofer and Klaus Bachler
13. #99 Proton Competition — Jonas Ried, Robert de Haan and one driver to be confirmed

GT3 entry list: Ferrari and Aston Martin

Ferrari will have four GT3 entries alongside its two Hypercars and four LMP2 programmes operated by AF Corse and associated organisations.

CarGuy Racing’s #57 Ferrari will lead the title defence, while Ponos Racing and AF Corse provide additional competition.

Aston Martin will also field four Vantage AMR GT3 Evos, including the two Heart of Racing entries.

Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo

14. #45 Ponos Racing — Yorikatsu Tsujiko, Takuro Shinohara and Tadasuke Makino
15. #50 AF Corse — Peter Dempsey, Rafa Durán and David Perel
16. #51 AF Corse — Francesco Piovanetti, Jef Machiels and Alessio Rovera
17. #57 CarGuy Racing — Takeshi Kimura, Mathys Jaubert and Esteban Masson

Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo

18. #26 Heart of Racing Team — Gray Newell, Eduardo Barrichello and Roman De Angelis
19. #27 Heart of Racing Team — Ian James, Zacharie Robichon and Mattia Drudi
20. #68 Car Blanche by RSL — Arnold Robin, Jonny Edgar and Valentin Hasse-Clot
21. #70 Ecurie Ecosse Blackthorn — Giacomo Petrobelli, Kobe Pauwels and one driver to be confirmed

GT3 entry list: McLaren, Lamborghini, Ford and BMW

Four additional manufacturers complete the opening GT3 field, with McLaren, Lamborghini and Ford each supplying two cars and BMW represented by a single Team WRT entry.

The category includes the new Lamborghini Temerario GT3, while Ford’s Mustang GT3 Evo will compete through Haupt Racing Team.

McLaren 720S GT3 Evo

22. #58 Garage 59 — Dustin Blattner, Thomas Fleming and Dennis Marschall
23. #60 Garage 59 — Marco Pulcini, Freddie Tomlinson and Joseph Loake

Lamborghini Temerario GT3

24. #63 Leipert Motorsport — Lance Bergstein, Nicolas Stati and Brendon Leitch
25. #93 DFYNE Racing Team — Oscar Lee Ryndziewicz, Giovanni Altoè and Giacomo Altoè

Ford Mustang GT3 Evo

26. #64 Haupt Racing Team — Michael Tosi, Finn Wiebelhaus and Arjun Maini
27. #65 Haupt Racing Team — Hubert Haupt, David Schumacher and Fabio Scherer

BMW M4 GT3 Evo

28. #69 Team WRT — Anthony McIntosh, Parker Thompson and Max Hesse

Total GT3 entries: 28 cars across eight manufacturers.

What makes the 2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series season significant?

The upcoming season represents an important transition for the Asian Le Mans Series, combining a substantially revised class structure with an unprecedented European winter calendar.

The arrival of Hypercar introduces the championship’s highest-performance machinery, while LMP2 continues providing a competitive platform for established prototype teams and drivers seeking progression towards the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

GT3 remains the largest category, with eight manufacturers and several previous championship winners competing for the title. The combination of returning contenders, new organisations and updated machinery should create a competitive six-race campaign.

Although the championship’s move to Europe reflects unusual circumstances, the provisional 46-car Le Castellet field demonstrates that ALMS retains considerable international participation.

The introduction of the Asian Le Mans Cup also provides a separate development route for LMP3 and GT3 competitors, allowing the main championship to focus on its new three-class structure.

With only six races available, consistency across the three double-header weekends will be particularly important as teams pursue championship honours and potential invitations to Le Mans.

How to follow the 2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series

The 2026/27 season begins at Circuit Paul Ricard on 13–15 November, with the first four-hour race scheduled for Saturday and the second taking place on Sunday.

The championship’s official platforms will provide event information, entry lists, timing and race updates throughout the weekend.

The principal resources for the opening event are:

• Official Asian Le Mans Series website
• Provisional 46-car Le Castellet entry list
• Official Le Castellet spotter guide
• Le Mans organisers’ 2026/27 season preview

The opening races will provide the first competitive comparison between the Ferrari Hypercars, while the 16-car LMP2 category and 28-car GT3 field begin their respective championship battles.

Conclusion: New Hypercar era begins at Circuit Paul Ricard

The 2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series will begin a new chapter at Circuit Paul Ricard, with Hypercar joining the championship for the first time alongside LMP2 and GT3.

Cetilar Racing and AF Corse will introduce the Ferrari 499P to the series, while defending LMP2 champions CrowdStrike Racing by APR prepare for a competitive 16-car field. Meanwhile, the GT3 category promises close competition between eight manufacturers, including returning champions, established international teams and several newcomers.

Although the championship will temporarily compete entirely in Europe, the strong entry list and continued links to the 24 Hours of Le Mans provide a foundation for another competitive winter season.

With three double-header weekends, six four-hour races and 46 cars expected at Le Castellet, the 2026/27 campaign will combine familiar endurance racing challenges with a significantly different championship structure.

The first race at Circuit Paul Ricard on 14 November will therefore mark the beginning of both the championship’s European winter campaign and its inaugural Hypercar era.