Two Hypercars on 47-Car Full Season Entry List

The new Hypercar class of the Asian Le Mans Series will feature just two full-season entries for its first campaign following the publication of a 47-strong entry list.

It was revealed earlier this week that two Ferrari 499Ps would be on the grid, one run under the Cetilar Racing banner and the other entered by AF Corse, but no other Hypercar entries have been received.

There had initially been several teams in talks to contest the class, but the requirement for an FIA Bronze-rated driver and the season moving to Europe amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East dampened interest.

However, the full-season entry list features a record-equalling 16 cars in the LMP2 division as well as 29 LMGT3 crews, while LMP3 no longer has a presence following the Hypercar class’ introduction.

Automobile Club de l’Ouest President Pierre Fillon described the capacity entry as a “tremendous demonstration of the strength and appeal of the championship.”

Frederic Lequien, CEO of promoter ALMEM, added: “Despite the ongoing issues in the Middle East, we are truly happy to see so many drivers and teams from Asia making the trip to compete in Europe in this unique winter series.

“We have two Ferraris entered in Hypercar and, while we were hoping to have more for the first season, we look forward to seeing Cetilar Racing and AF Corse in action in Le Castellet.

“While we have an impressive 16 cars in LMP2 and 29 in GT3, we actually received many more applications beyond the 47-car maximum, and we would like to thank every team that applied for a place on the 2026-27 Asian Le Mans Series grid for their interest and support.”

Reigning champion George Kurtz will defend his LMP2 title in one of three Oreca 07 Gibsons entered by Algarve Pro Racing, which was one of the squads contemplating a Hypercar attack.

The other two APR entries will feature Michael Jensen and John Falb as the Bronze drivers.

The only complete lineup revealed in the LMP2 field so far is the No. 23 United Autosports Oreca, which will be crewed by Phil Fayer, Hunter McElrea and Mikkel Jensen.

The sister car has Giorgio Roda listed as the Bronze, the Italian competing with Duqueine Team in the European Le Mans Series this year, having raced in Asia with United last term.

Inter Europol Competition has also entered two cars with team regular Nick Yelloly being joined by single-seater convert Cian Shields in one, and Bijoy Garg listed in the other.

Proton Competition is another with two Orecas on the list with Horst and Horst Felix Felbermayr listed in one and Jonas Ried in the other, while AF Corse will also field two LMP2 machines in addition to the Ferrari Hypercars.

Nielsen Racing, DKR Engineering, Team Virage, Duqueine and CLX round out the LMP2 squads.

Eight different manufacturers are then among the LMGT3 entry, with the most numerous being seven Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evos.

Iron Lynx and 2 Seas Motorsport will operate two cars each, while GetSpeed, Winward Racing — returning after a year away — and Petrolife Racing Team have one apiece.

Ginetta owner Lawrence Tomlinson and his son Freddie are listed against one of the 2 Seas Mercedes-AMGs, while the Iron Lynx pair feature many of the squad’s existing ELMS and FIA World Endurance Championship drivers.

Six Porsche 911 GT3 R Evos are among the entry with a pair from each of Manthey Racing and Proton Competition, being joined by single cars from High Class Racing and Herberth Motorsport, which has former Porsche factory driver Mathieu Jaminet among its roster.

Five Ferrari 296 GT3 Evos are also on the list with AF Corse operating two, while the Car Guys Racing-entered machine will have reigning ELMS champion and Lexus RC F GT3 regular Esteban Masson at the wheel.

Haupt Racing Team will move into ACO competition with the Ford Mustang GT3 EVO for the first time with a pair of entries — a development that team CEO Ulrich Fritz had previously told Sportscar365 was a key ambition — while Heart of Racing Team will field two Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evos.

Other Astons will be entered by IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship squad Car Blanche and Blackthorn.

Garage 59 will run a pair of McLaren 720S GT3 Evos, while two Lamborghini Temerario GT3s will feature in the Asian LMS for the first time: one each for Leipert Motorsport and DFYNE Racing Team.

Just one BMW M4 GT3 EVO is on the list, with a WRT machine being piloted by Anthony McIntosh, who was runner-up in the class last season.

While Ford’s Mustang is making a first Asian LMS appearance, there will be no Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs on the grid this time around.

The three-event season is due to get under way at Paul Ricard on Nov. 14-15.