What Is 2015 Asian Le Mans Series season

Overview

The 2015 Asian Le Mans Series marked the fourth revival of the endurance racing championship in Asia, continuing the legacy of the original 2009 series. Organized by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), the series aimed to promote sports car racing across the Asian continent with a compact five-race calendar.

This season featured four distinct classes: LMP2, LMP3, GT, and the regional CN category. It attracted international teams and drivers, offering a platform for emerging talent and established endurance racers to compete on high-profile circuits.

• Five rounds were held between December 2015 and February 2016, spanning three countries and featuring back-to-back races in some locations.
• The series kicked off at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on December 11, 2015, marking the first time the event was hosted in the UAE.
• Teams competed for automatic invitations to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, especially in the LMP2 and GT classes, based on final standings.
• The LMP3 class made its debut in the Asian Le Mans Series this season, featuring the new Ligier JS P3 chassis powered by Nissan engines.
• Each race lasted three or four hours, following endurance racing formats with mandatory driver changes and pit stops for fuel and tires.

How It Works

The Asian Le Mans Series follows a structured endurance racing format designed to balance performance across different car types and driver skill levels. Each event emphasizes team coordination, mechanical reliability, and strategic pit stops over long race durations.

• LMP2 Class: Features professional-grade prototypes with engines up to 6,000 cc. The Oreca 03R dominated this class in 2015, driven by Eurasia Motorsport.
• LMP3 Class: Introduced in 2015, this entry-level prototype class uses Ligier JS P3 chassis with 3.5L V6 Nissan engines, aimed at young drivers and privateer teams.
• GT Class: Includes FIA GT3-spec cars such as the Porsche 911 GT3 R and Aston Martin Vantage GT3, competing under BOP (Balance of Performance) rules.
• CN Class: A regional category for French-designed Norma and Creation chassis, popular in Asian club racing, using 2.0L engines.
• Driver Ratings: Uses ACO's driver categorization system; each car must include at least one bronze or silver-rated driver to ensure competitive balance.
• Scoring System: Points awarded based on finishing position and class, with double points for the final race at Sepang to intensify championship battles.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2015 Asian Le Mans Series with other major endurance series in terms of format, classes, and regional focus:

The 2015 Asian Le Mans Series stood out by offering a compact winter schedule ideal for European teams to train during the off-season. Its regional focus helped grow motorsport in Asia while maintaining international relevance through Le Mans qualification incentives.

Why It Matters

The 2015 season played a crucial role in expanding endurance racing's footprint in Asia and providing a clear pathway to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It also helped standardize regulations and promote driver development across the continent.

• The series awarded automatic entries to the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans for champions in LMP2 and GT classes, increasing competitive stakes.
• Young driver development was emphasized, especially in the new LMP3 class, which served as a training ground for future endurance stars.
• Teams from 12 different countries participated, highlighting the series' international appeal and logistical reach.
• The inclusion of the CN class preserved regional racing heritage while integrating it into a global motorsport framework.
• Events were held at world-class circuits, including Sepang and Fuji, enhancing exposure and broadcast quality.
• The series laid the foundation for future expansion, leading to increased manufacturer involvement in subsequent seasons.

Overall, the 2015 Asian Le Mans Series was a pivotal moment in Asian motorsport, bridging local talent with global endurance racing ambitions.