Asian Le Mans Series: Season Opener Entry List Unveiled for Circuit Paul Ricard
A robust 46-car entry list has been confirmed for the opening round of the 2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series at Circuit Paul Ricard, notably filling most previously unallocated spots in the LMP2 and GT divisions. The event will feature two Hypercars, 16 LMP2 entries, and 29 GT cars. Notably, Dragon Racing has withdrawn the #8 Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo from the race.
LMP2 Highlights
In the LMP2 category, only four slots remain open. Defending champion CrowdStrike Racing by APR has fielded a strong trio consisting of George Kurtz, Laurin Heinrich, and Louis Deletraz in the #4 ORECA 07–Gibson. Other confirmed line-ups include:
- #3 DKR Engineering ORECA: Tom van Rompuy and Laurents Hörr
- #11 Proton Competition ORECA: Georgios Kolovos and Charles Milesi
- #66 Proton Entry: Ferdinand Habsburg, Horst Felbermayr, and Horst Felix Felbermayr
- #16 Team Virage ORECA: Jacek Zielonka, Leo Robinson, and Jonathan Browne
- #55 AF Corse ORECA: Jack Doohan, Alex Dimirdjian, and Phil Hanson
Both Inter Europol Competition entries have yet to name their mandatory Bronze-rated driver, with the #43 entry featuring Cian Shields and Nicholas Yelloly.
GT Class Updates
In the GT class, several notable announcements have been made:
- #7 Petrolife Racing Team Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo: Stephane Tribaudini, Simon Birch, Frederik Schandorff.
- #21 Herberth Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 R Evo: Tom Sargent replaces Alfred Renauer.
- 2 Seas Motorsport: Complete refresh of both line-ups, with the #33 entry featuring Charles Dawson, Christian Mansell, and Kiern Jewiss, while #46 includes Darren Leung, Guy Albag, and Chris Lulham.
- AF Corse: Peter Dempsey and David Perel join Rafa Duran in the #50 Ferrari; Jef Machiels and Alessio Rovera in the #51.
Confirmed changes also include Julian Hanses in the #62 Team Qatar by Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMG and Lance Bergstein in Leipert Motorsport’s Lamborghini, now numbered #63.
The opening two races of the season, titled “4 Hours of Le Castellet by ALMS,” will take place at Circuit Paul Ricard from November 13 to 15, 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Total Entries: 46 cars for the season opener.
- Classes: 2 Hypercars, 16 LMP2s, 29 GTs.
- LMP2 Team Highlights: Strong entries from CrowdStrike Racing and Proton Competition.
- Noteworthy Withdrawals: Dragon Racing’s Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo.
This season opener promises to deliver competitive racing amidst a diverse roster of entrants, setting the stage for an exciting 2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series.
