Schedule to Remain in UAE for Third Consecutive Season

The Asian Le Mans Series will keep its condensed, UAE-based schedule for a third season in 2023, with two races each in Dubai and Abu Dhabi on consecutive February weekends.

The championship first adopted this short, four-race format when the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic made racing in southeast Asia difficult.

Rounds one and two will be held at Dubai Autodrome on Feb. 11-12 before the series heads southwest to Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi for rounds three and four on Feb. 18-19.

Series organizing body Asian Le Mans Endurance Management confirmed on Wednesday that international logistics are continuing to hamper its efforts to return Asian LMS to its original territory.

As a result, the co-organization of the 2023 season between ALMEM and SRO Motorsports Group has been delayed until the next campaign.

A statement from ALMEM said that the two parties “continue to work together closely on a plan to return to the region as soon as feasibly possible”.

SRO recently made its return to the southeast Asia region with the opening round of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS season at Sepang International Circuit, with a modest field of eight cars.

“The Asian Le Mans Series is retaining a formula that has proven itself in recent years,” said ACO President Pierre Fillon.

“The Series, with its multiple challenges and high standard of racing, is a formidable gateway to the highest level of endurance racing.

“I would like to thank all the people involved from the Dubai and Abu Dhabi circuits, two great tracks for four rounds that promise to be epic once again. See you next February for the start of this series, which is becoming more and more popular every year.”

Three automatic invitations to next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans will be awarded to the 2023 Asian LMS class champions in LMP2, LMP3 and GT3.

A new initiative for the 2023 season will be the introduction of the TotalEnergies Excellium Racing 100 renewable fuel that has already been introduced into the ACO-run FIA World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans Series this year.

“After another hugely successful season in the UAE we are very pleased to be returning there for another exciting Asian Le Mans Series,” commented ALMEM CEO Frederic Lequien.

“The format continues to attract record entries and is enjoyed by a huge global audience. I look forward to welcoming our teams and drivers there in February next year!”

2023 Asian Le Mans Series Schedule:
Feb 11 – Dubai Autodrome
Feb 12 – Dubai Autodrome
Feb 18 – Yas Marina Circuit
Feb 19 – Yas Marina Circuit

Daniel Lloyd contributed to this report