Limited to “Le Mans Prototype” and GT type cars, the Asian Le Mans Series features four categories: LMP2, LMP2 Am, LMP3 and GT. Each class winner gets an invitation to the forthcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans.
LMP2 / LMP2 Am
Feeder category to the top-tier FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar class, LMP2 is the highest category in the Asian Le Mans Series and is very popular with independent teams.
This is due to both its high-level performances (carbon-fibre monocoque chassis supplied by Dallara, Ligier Automotive, Oreca or Riley Tech/Multimatic and Gibson 4.2-litre, 560hp, normally-aspirated V8 engine) and its controlled costs.
Michelin is the category’s sole tyre manufacturer. Lastly, the LMP2 Am class is open to driver lines up predominantly consisting of bronze graded drivers, with one silver driver only permitted per car.
LMP3
Seen as a way for drivers to cut their teeth in Endurance racing, the LMP3 class is the first step for those looking to learn about driving a prototype.
The cars are provided by four different manufacturers – Ligier, Duqueine Engineering, Ginetta and Adess – whilst the powertrain (engine, gearbox and electronics) is exclusively supplied by Oreca, delivering some 455 horsepower.
Michelin is the designated tyre supplier.
GT
The GT cars are part of the tradition of Endurance racing, providing joy to amateurs and licensed drivers alike.
To be homologated, a GTE (E for Endurance) must be derived from a road car of which at least 100 have been built (25 for a “small manufacturer”, 300 for a carbon-fibre chassis).
The “racing” version must retain the shape of the road model from which it is derived and the performances of the various brands are adjusted through a Balance of Performance mechanism.