Asian Le Mans Series to Introduce Hypercar Class for 2026/2027 Season
The Asian Le Mans Series (ALMS) will include Hypercar entries starting in the 2026/2027 season, a decision prompted by increasing manufacturer interest in the region. This move allows privately entered teams with Pro-Am line-ups, mandated to feature at least one bronze-ranked driver, to compete with advanced Hypercars.
ALMS has seen growth in participation, boasting grids of over 40 cars across LMP2, LMP3, and GT categories. The three-event, six-race schedule runs from December to February, aligning well with European and North American calendars, thus attracting further interest from Southeast Asian and Chinese teams.
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), emphasized, “We plan to have maybe 2-3 cars in the first year, and the target is to attract Asian gentlemen drivers who favor brands like Porsche, Ferrari, and McLaren.” Fillon expressed confidence in manufacturers supplying customer cars for the series, stating, “The interest in ALMS has grown exponentially… the Asian motorsport market is booming.”
Frédéric Lequien, CEO of ALMEM and LMEM, confirmed the decision is aimed at developing endurance racing in Asia. “Hypercar will remain the premier class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and FIA WEC… but it’s essential to allow teams to run the same cars in ALMS,” Lequien stated.
The decision to restrict entries to Pro-Am line-ups will ensure participants meet a minimum experience level, which is crucial given the technical complexity and cost of the Hypercars. There has been only one previous start by a bronze-ranked driver in this class during the 2024 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.
Stéphane Ratel, founder and CEO of SRO Motorsports Group, welcomed the inclusion of the Hypercar class, recognizing it as a significant opportunity for the series to enhance its appeal.
The ALMS’s expansion into Hypercars will undoubtedly bolster its profile in the competitive Asian motorsport landscape, setting the stage for promising developments in customer racing and market reach.
