Asian Le Mans Series moves to Europe

What has changed

The Asian Le Mans Series will stage its entire 2026/27 campaign in southern Europe after organisers confirmed an unprecedented six-race calendar at Paul Ricard, Jerez and Portimão.

The championship, which has raced at Dubai Autodrome and Yas Marina since 2021, has been forced to leave the Middle East because of continuing regional instability. Alternative plans involving Sepang and Buriram were considered, but existing circuit bookings, increased logistical costs and the need to avoid clashes with the Daytona 24 Hours and Bathurst 12 Hour limited the available options.

The resulting competition has been branded the Winter Le Mans Series. Each venue will host two four-hour races, preserving the compact double-header format traditionally used by the Asian championship.

The provisional 2026/27 calendar

• Rounds 1 and 2: Circuit Paul Ricard, 13–15 November 2026.
• Rounds 3 and 4: Circuito de Jerez Ángel Nieto, 15–17 January 2027.
• Rounds 5 and 6: Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, 19–21 February 2027.

Paul Ricard and Portimão are established European Le Mans Series venues, but Jerez has not previously hosted racing under the Automobile Club de l’Ouest regulations. None of the three circuits has appeared on an Asian Le Mans Series calendar before.

The venues were selected for their availability, comparatively mild winter climates and absence from the 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship calendar.

Why it matters

The move temporarily removes the Asian Le Mans Series from the region identified in its name, but it gives teams a confirmed championship rather than leaving the season exposed to further cancellations or late logistical changes.

The LMP2 and GT3 champions will continue to receive automatic invitations to the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans, ensuring the championship retains one of its most valuable prizes despite the revised location.

A new support championship

Organisers have also confirmed the creation of the Asian Le Mans Cup for LMP3 and GT3 machinery. It will feature two two-hour races at each of the three events, giving additional teams and drivers access to the winter programme.

The extra competition should create fuller weekends and offer a lower entry point beneath the main four-hour races. Further details about eligibility, class structures and sporting regulations are expected before the opening round.

What to watch out for

• Grid size: Organisers must determine whether the European location attracts established Asian competitors, European teams or a mixture of both.
• Jerez preparations: The Spanish circuit will host its first event for ACO-regulation prototypes and GT cars.
• The return to Asia: Championship management intends to restore an Asian-based calendar for the 2027/28 season if conditions allow.

Source: DailySportscar.com, 3 August 2026. The calendar remains provisional.