Cetilar Racing Dominates Rain-Shortened Sepang Race
Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia – Cetilar Racing secured a commanding victory in the opening round of the 2025/26 Asian Le Mans Series, with their #47 ORECA 07 – Gibson triumphing in a rain-affected race. The event concluded prematurely after the deployment of a Red Flag with just 13 minutes remaining due to deteriorating track conditions.
Race Highlights:
- Antonio Fuoco showcased exceptional prowess, establishing a 21-second lead on wet tyres before extending his advantage further after the switch to slicks.
- The Safety Car was called out with 25 minutes to go, neutralizing Fuoco’s lead as multiple cars experienced difficulties at Turn 3.
Fuoco commented post-race, “We managed the changing conditions well, and the team executed flawless pit strategies throughout.”
Finishing Positions:
- Cetilar Racing #47 – Winner, leading the LMP2 class.
- Algarve Pro Racing #25 – Enzo Trulli displayed impressive skill, battling relentlessly with teammate Malthe Jakobsen, ensuring a solid second place.
- CrowdStrike #4 – Jakobsen maintained competitive pace but fell behind due to a slow final pit stop.
The #20 Algarve Pro entry, driven by John Falb, struggled strategically, impacting overall standings. Conversely, Fuoco’s team capitalized on an earlier pit stop under Virtual Safety Car conditions, reclaiming lead positions effectively.
Additional Class Results:
- In the GT category, Kessel Racing achieved victory with their #74 Ferrari 296 GT3, led by Dustin Blattner, who climbed from 15th to second early in the race. Chris Lulham then secured the lead, with Marschall retaining their margin before the final Safety Car was deployed.
- LMP3 Honors went to CLX Motorsport’s #17 Ligier JS P325 – Toyota, who strategically navigated the race to hold off challenges.
The complete podiums over both days reflect Cetilar Racing’s dominant performance, giving them a 14-point lead in the LMP2 standings ahead of Algarve Pro Racing.
The series continues with two more four-hour races scheduled at the Dubai Autodrome from January 30 to February 1, 2026.
Key Statistics:
- Total Laps: Shortened due to Red Flag conditions.
- Conditions: Rain impacted multiple teams, leading to strategic changes mid-race.
Cetilar Racing leaves Malaysia with a resounding victory, bolstered by the team’s solid race strategies and exemplary driving under challenging conditions.
