The Asian Le Mans Series (ALMS) stands as a testament to the region’s burgeoning passion for endurance racing. The championship offers a unique platform for teams and drivers to showcase their skills on the track. Let’s delve into the exciting world of the Asian Le Mans Series, exploring its rich history, venues, timetables, winners and other crucial event details.
A Storied Legacy: The History of Asian Le Mans Series
The series, formerly known as the Japan Le Mans Challenge, roared to life in 2009. The series embodies the essence of endurance racing and the legendary Le Mans spirit in Asia. This championship has grown exponentially, featuring highly competitive races on world-class circuits and attracting some of the globe’s best endurance race teams.
Conceived by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), the series aimed to replicate the spirit of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the vibrant landscapes of Asia. Over the years, the endurance racing event has been fostering both seasoned professionals and emerging talents from the continent.
Growth and Popularity
The series has witnessed remarkable growth year after year, attracting top-tier endurance racing teams and nurturing emerging talents from the continent. The previous season boasted an oversubscribed grid of 48 cars, underlining its popularity among teams, drivers and fervent fans. The 2023/2024 season promises even more excitement with an expanded calendar and iconic venues on the roster.
Joint Venture for Excellence
The 2023/2024 Season marks a significant milestone as the ALMS embarks on a joint venture. Collaborating with the ACO, Asian Le Mans Endurance Management (ALMEM) and SRO Motorsports Group, this new agreement aims to elevate the series to new heights, ensuring continuous growth and delivering exceptional results.
2023/2024 Season Highlights
The calendar extends to five races, featuring the renowned Dubai Autodrome and Yas Marina Circuit. The dates for your motorsport calendar are as follows:
The ALMS for the 2023-2024 season promises to be an exhilarating journey, with five highly anticipated races set to unfold across three iconic circuits. From the heart-pounding straits of Sepang to the dazzling lights of Abu Dhabi, each event on the calendar is poised to deliver edge-of-the-seat action.
Round 1 & 2: 4 Hours of Sepang
- Circuit: Sepang International Circuit
- Location: Selangor, Malaysia
- Date: 2 December 2023 (Practice and Qualifying), 3 December 2023 (Race)
The season was held at the renowned Sepang International Circuit in Selangor, Malaysia. This iconic track, known for its challenging layout and unpredictable weather, will test the mettle of the participating teams and drivers. The race weekend encompasses practice and qualifying on December 2, leading up to the main event on December 3 – the 4 Hours of Sepang.
Round 3: 4 Hours of Dubai
- Circuit: Dubai Autodrome
- Location: Dubailand, Dubai, UAE
- Date: To be held on 4 February 2024
- Time: 01:00 pm to 05:00 pm
Next on the roster is the 4 Hours of Dubai, set against the stunning backdrop of Dubailand. Autodrome is one of the top places for car enthusiasts in the UAE. With its mix of high-speed straights and technical corners, the Dubai Autodrome will be the battleground for the second round. Scheduled for February 4, 2024, this race promises intense competition at Dubai’s best race track.
Round 4 & 5: 4 Hours of Abu Dhabi
- Circuit: Yas Marina Circuit
- Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Date: 10 February 2024 (Practice and Qualifying), 11 February 2024 (Race)
- Time: 03:00 pm to 04:00 pm | 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm
The Asia Le Mans Series then heads to the glamorous Yas Marina Circuit, a fitting venue for the season’s penultimate race. The race weekend, spanning February 10-11 will feature practice, qualifying and the highly anticipated 4 Hours of Abu Dhabi. The circuit’s unique layout, including its iconic twilight racing, adds an extra layer of challenge for the competitors.
Championship Stakes
As the season progresses, teams will accumulate points based on their performances in each race. The stakes are high, as the overall series winner earns a coveted invitation to the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, an honour that adds unparalleled prestige to the series.
Road to Le Mans – Invitations
The series is not just about claiming championship glory; it’s a stepping stone to the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024. Champions in the LMP2 and GT classes earn coveted invitations to participate in this iconic event, adding an extra layer of intensity to the races.
Inside the 2023/2024 Season
The twelfth season of the ALMS began at the Sepang International Circuit on 2 December 2023, weaving through five thrilling races and concluding at the Yas Marina Circuit on 11 February 2024. This season’s calendar marks a return to Southeast Asia.
Champion Comebacks: A Powerhouse Lineup for the 2023/2024 ALMS Season
The 2023/2024 Asian Le Mans Series season is gearing up for an intense showdown as seven previous champions make their return to the track:
- DKR Engineering (LMP2, 2023 Champions): Defending their crown, DKR Engineering aims to continue its LMP2 dominance.
- Nielsen Racing (LMP2 Champion 2022, LMP3 Champion 2019/2020): A force to be reckoned with, Nielsen Racing enters the full LMP2 season with a rich history of victories.
- Algarve Pro Racing: Back for the entire season, Algarve Pro Racing brings consistent performance and endurance racing expertise.
- ARC Bratislava (LMP2 Am Champion 2018/2019): ARC Bratislava returns to the LMP2 category, aiming to add more accolades to its impressive record.
- CD Sport (LMP3 Champion 2022): CD Sport, the 2022 LMP3 champions, make their mark in their fourth consecutive ALMS season appearance.
- Herberth Motorsports (GT Class 2022): The first non-Asian team to win the GT class, Herberth Motorsports returns with the Porsche 911 GT3 R.
- Inception Racing (GT Champion 2022): Supported by Optimum, Inception Racing returns with two McLaren 720S GT3s, eyeing another GT class victory.
These seasoned champions bring a wealth of experience, determination and a hunger for success, promising fans an electrifying season filled with intense battles on the championship circuit. Get ready for a thrilling spectacle as these champions aim to make history once again.
GT Showdown: The Diverse Marques of the 2023/2024 ALMS Season
The GT class in the 2023/2024 ALMS season is gearing up to be a fierce battleground, with a stellar lineup featuring at least eight different marques. The paddock capacity in the United Arab Emirates promises to add even more variety to the starting grid, making this season a true spectacle for GT enthusiasts. Let’s take a closer look at the impressive array of GT machines set to compete:
Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO 2
From the Audi R8 history, the car is a perennial force in GT racing bringing the R8 LMS GT3 EVO 2 to the ALMS. Known for its aerodynamic prowess and technological advancements, the Audi GT3 contender is a formidable presence on any track.
Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3
Also, delve into these intriguing facts about Aston Martin, the epitome of automotive excellence, as the Vantage AMR GT3 takes centre stage with its elegant design and formidable performance, promising to captivate racing enthusiasts on the circuit.
BMW M4 GT3
BMW, a stalwart in motorsports, enters the fray with the M4 GT3. With its sleek lines and cutting-edge technology, the BMW GT3 machine embodies the brand’s commitment to high-performance racing. To know more, explore these BMW M Car facts. Also, for those who want to add BMW M4 to their collection, check out these used BMW M4 in the UAE here.
Ferrari 296 GT3
The prancing horse of Ferrari graces the ALMS with the 296 GT3. Combining Italian craftsmanship with speed, the Ferrari GT3 contender is set to add a touch of passion to the GT class battles.
Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO 2
Lamborghini, synonymous with striking design and raw power, fields the Huracán GT3 EVO 2. The unmistakable roar of the Lamborghini engine is bound to resonate across the circuits, making it a fan favourite.
McLaren 720S GT3
McLaren’s supercar models lineup, known for its Formula 1 heritage, enters the GT class with the 720S GT3. Expect cutting-edge aerodynamics and relentless speed from this British contender. Here is the first look of the latest McLaren GTS. I
Mercedes AMG GT3 EVO
Mercedes-Benz brings the AMG GT3 EVO to the competition. With a combination of German engineering and sleek design, the Mercedes AMG GT3 is a force to be reckoned with on the GT grid. If you are looking to buy a used AMG Mercedes Benz in the UAE, browse through the listings here.
Porsche 911 GT3 R
As for the fact, the iconic Porsche 911 generation needs no introduction. A perennial contender in GT racing, the Porsche entry promises a perfect blend of precision engineering and racing heritage.
The significant paddock capacity in the United Arab Emirates opens the door for potential surprises, with the possibility of additional marques joining the lineup. The GT class might see an even more diverse grid, showcasing the global appeal of the Asian Le Mans Series.
Le Mans Invitations
A grand prize awaits the victors of the 2023/2024 Asian Le Mans Series in the form of invitations to the 92nd 24 Hours of Le Mans in June 2024. Winners in the LMP2 and GT classes secure a coveted spot on the Le Mans grid, marking the pinnacle of their achievements in the Asian Le Mans Series. The LMP3 winner gains priority entry to the 2024 Road to Le Mans support race.
FAQs
When and where will the Asian Le Mans Series 2024 round in Dubai take place?
The 2024 round will be held in Dubai at the Dubai Autodrome in Dubailand. The specific date is February 4, 2024, with the race scheduled from 01:00 pm to 05:00 pm.
How many hours will the race in Dubai last?
The Dubai round of the ALMS is a 4-hour race, providing an intense and action-packed endurance challenge for the participating teams.
When and where will the 2024 Asian Le Mans Series round in Abu Dhabi take place?
The Abu Dhabi round is set to take place at the Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The race weekend spans from February 10, 2024 (Practice and Qualifying) to February 11, 2024 (Race), with the race hours divided from 03:00 pm to 04:00 pm and 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm.
This is all about the Asian Le Mans Series 2023-2024. The series stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Le Mans in the heart of Asia. With its rich history, growth, collaboration and an exciting calendar for the 2023/2024 season, the series continues to captivate motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.
As teams gear up for the challenges that lie ahead, the 2024 ALMS promises to be a thrilling spectacle of speed, strategy and endurance, showcasing the best of Asian motorsport on the global stage. Besides, sports enthusiasts can also watch Dubai International Boat Show 2024 from February 28 to March 03, 2024.
Besides, devoted car enthusiasts eager to engage in a variety of circuit activities can also find their dream rides among these used cars for sale in the UAE.
As the diverse GT lineup for the 2023/2024 ALMS season takes shape, anticipation builds for thrilling on-track battles. With each marque bringing its unique strengths and characteristics, fans can expect a showcase of skill, strategy and pure racing passion in the GT class. Get ready for an unforgettable season of GT action in the Asian Le Mans championship. You can either grab a ticket or watch the Asian Le Mans live on the official website.
Stay tuned to the dubizzle car blog to get more updates on the ongoing auto events in the region.
Related Posts
