AsLMS dubbed Winter Le Mans Series in 2026/27, as new calendar revealed entirely in Europe

The ELMS grid at the start of this years 4 Hours of Paul Ricard | Credit: Jan Patrick Wagner

The ACO has officially announced the calendar for the 2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series (AsLMS). The series will be dubbed the 'Winter Le Mans Series' as it travels to Paul Ricard, Jerez and Portimão.

The series has been held in Sepang, Dubai and Yas Marina for the last number of years, but the current conflict in the Middle East makes the latter two quite difficult.

The decision to hold the series in entirely in Europe comes after circuit bookings and logistical costs put down plans to have races in Malaysia and Thailand - a calendar entirely in South East Asia. The series also had further obligations to avoid clashes with the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Bathurst, in January and February.

The series retains it's double-header format, as it heads to Paul Ricard in France from November 13th - 15th, before a Christmas break. Then it's an entirely new circuit for ACO-rules racing in Jerez. The former host of the European and Spanish Grand Prix will host the AsLMS from January 15th - 17th. Finally the season will finish in the traditional European Le Mans Series (ELMS) in Portimão in Portugal.

Both the Pro-Am Hypercar category for the main series, and the all new Asian Le Mans Cup support series have been confirmed for 2026/27 as well, with the Asian Le Mans Cup set to have two, two hours races each weekend with it's LMP3 and GT3 fields.

Pierre Fillon, President of the ACO said “2026 has proven to be exceptional, with external constraints that are completely out of our control forcing us to make decisions that are in everyone’s interests in difficult circumstances. It is with all the facts, and after consultation with all parties, the decision was taken to move the Asian Le Mans Series to Europe for the 2026/27 season.

“The Winter Le Mans Series will provide the best platform for teams and drivers to compete for one of the top prizes in endurance, the Asian Le Mans Series title and, for the LMP2 and GT3 champions, an automatic invitation to the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans. It will also be a great opportunity for fans of endurance to see Hypercars in action in the AsLMS for the first time.

“Le Mans is more than a place - it is a spirit. This winter, that spirit will thrive on some of Europe’s finest circuits as we look forward to returning to Asia when conditions allow.”

Frédéric Lequien, ALMEM and LMEM CEO added “While this represents a departure from the championship’s traditional identity, it is a carefully considered decision driven by the current circumstances and made in the best interests of the series and its competitors.

“We had explored several options with regards to holding races in Asia but, because of the late changes forced on us, the availability of circuits that are able to host an ALMS event were limited and the logistical costs were significant. We also had to try and avoid a clash Daytona and Bathurst, which limited our options in Asia even further.

“Our priority remains to provide teams with a stable, competitive and clearly defined championship. This approach ensures the continuity of the series while allowing competitors to prepare for the season with confidence.

“The Asian Le Mans Series extends its sincere thanks to its teams, partners, manufacturers, drivers and fans for their continued trust and support. Although this season will feature an unprecedented format, it will retain all the excitement, competitiveness and endurance spirit that define the championship.