Hypercar Driver Lineup Rules to Mirror LMP2 Pro-Am

Photo: Charly López/DPPI

The driver lineup requirements in the Hypercar class of the Asian Le Mans Series has been tweaked further since last month’s update, with series officials confirming the adoption of the same rules utilized in LMP2 Pro-Am.

Revealed in a letter to competitors on Tuesday, the new top class will continue to require a FIA Bronze-rated driver, but now exactly one per car, along with a maximum of one Platinum-rated driver. The third driver, meanwhile, could either be Silver or Gold-rated.

This differs from what was revealed in the ACO press conference at Le Mans, which indicated a minimum of one Bronze, either a Bronze or Silver as the second driver and a choice of Gold or Platinum-rated driver as the third.

The change has come through “close consultation” with stakeholders according to a statement provided to Sportscar365.

“To achieve our shared goals, we have decided to use the same lineup rules for the Hypercar class that we currently use in LMP2 Pro-Am,” the statement read. “This system already works perfectly and is very popular with our teams and fans.

“Our main goal is to avoid pure factory (all-professional) lineups in the Asian Le Mans Series Hypercar class. By setting these limits, we give independent teams the freedom to create many different, exciting driver combinations.

“Additionally, a key aim of this new rule is to give a true and meaningful role to Gold drivers. This structure ensures that Gold-rated drivers remain a valuable and essential part of a winning team.

“By adopting the exact same criteria as LMP2 Pro-Am, we are leaning on a format that has already proven to be highly successful.

“We are confident this will create a fantastic mix of drivers and deliver incredible Hypercar racing in the Asian Le Mans Series.”

ACO President Pierre Fillon said last month that he projects there to be between three and six Hypercar entries in total, all of which must be privateer entries per regulations.

The schedule for the upcoming season, which could be held entirely in Europe, is expected to be released this month.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John