The Asian Le Mans Series will remain as a four-round season in 2016/2017, although seeing a return to China, following the release of next season’s schedule on Friday.

The growing championship, which sees a series-high 16 entries this weekend in Sepang, will kick off in Zhuhai next October, followed by a new standalone race at Fuji Speedway in December.

Return trips to Buriram (Thailand) and Sepang (Malaysia) will complete the four-round championship in January 2017.

“We thought it was very important to bring forward the announcement of our 2016-2017 calendar to help the teams to begin working on season two,” said Asian Le Mans Series Managing Director Cyrille Taesch Whalen.

“Our return to China, which was vital, is an additional step in establishing the series on the continent. Now that the Asian Le Mans Series is visiting China, Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia its spread is becoming an increasingly attractive one.”

ACO President Pierre Fillon added: “The evolution of the Asian market and its activity reinforce both our progressive approach and our specific positioning. Our return to China balances and boosts our presence on the Asian continent.”

The ACO confirmed that discussions are continuing for the possible launch of an Asian prototype-only championship for next spring/summer, as previously revealed by Sportscar365.

2016/2017 Asian Le Mans Series Schedule:

Oct. 30 – Zhuhai, China

Dec. 4 – Fuji, Japan

Jan. 8 – Buriram, Thailand

Jan. 22 – Sepang, Malysia