ACO announce new series for LMP3 in Asia, Asian Le Mans Cup

Credit: Asian Le Mans Series

The ACO have announced a brand new category to the ACO ladder in Asia for LMP3 and GT3 machinery, in the Asian Le Mans Cup.

The new Asian Le Mans Series (AsLMS) Pro-Am Hypercar class means the grid will consist of those LMDh/LMH cars, alongside the existing LMP2 and GT3 classes. That left the LMP3 class without an home in Asia, with the new series filling that gap.

Like it's European sister - Le Mans Cup - the series will feature three classes; LMP3, LMP3 Pro-Am and GT3. The main LMP3 class will consist of Gold and Silver drivers, while Pro-Am and GT3 crews must have at least one Bronze driver in the line-up.

Frédéric Lequien, ALMEM and LMEM CEO: “We are pleased to announce the creation of a new Asian endurance series for LMP3 and GT3 cars modelled on the highly successful Michelin Le Mans Cup.

"With the arrival of Hypercar in the Asian Le Mans Series it has been decided to give the LMP3 competitors the opportunity to race on the same weekends as the ALMS in a separate series, with GT3 cars also being eligible to race in the new Asian Le Mans Cup as well as in the AsLMS.

“We are confident that the Asian Le Mans Cup will attract more teams and drivers to compete, which will become the first step on the endurance racing ladder with the ultimate goal of competing in the FIA WEC and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”

Meanwhile, no announcement has been made on the 2026/27 calendar for either the AsLMS or the Asian LMC, as the organising bodies closely monitor the conflicts in the Middle East.