We reported in October that the ACO, organisers of the Asian Le Mans Series, were evaluating the potential for a second Asian Series, this to allow a more sustainable commercial case for the race teams committing to the core Asian LMS.

The project has now been conferred for a 2016 Series, reserved for LM P3s, CNs with carbon monocoques as well as GT Cup cars (and not therefore treading on the toes of the GT3 only GT Asia Series).

Its aim is to expand the offer of the Asian Le Mans Series, and the Sprint Cup will open up a wider range of opportunities for manufacturers/constructors, teams and drivers.

As in the Asian LMS, Michelin will be the exclusive official tyre supplier.

The Asian Le Mans Sprint Cup will be organised by Asian Le Mans Endurance Management Ltd, the Asian branch of the ACO, and it will comprise three events in 2016.

In order to limit costs for the teams, all three events will take place on the Sepang circuit in Malaysia, one of the main hubs of motor sport and also one of the most beautiful circuits in Asia.

The Le Mans Sprint Cup:

2016 calendar:

• Round 1: 27/29 May 2016

• Round 2: 05/07 August 2016

• Round 3: 02/04 September 2016

Format:

• Two 45-minute free practice sessions (to be confirmed)

• Two 15-minute qualifying sessions (to be confirmed)

• Two 60-minute (max) races

Drivers:

• 1 or 2 drivers

• Platinum and gold drivers not allowed.

• If there are 2 drivers, only one Silver is allowed.

The sporting regulations and other relevant information will be published in the coming weeks.

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “With the Asian Le Mans Sprint Cup the ACO is taking another step in its implantation on the Asian continent as well as giving the LM P3 category a new playing field.”

Cyrille Taesch Wahlen, Asian Le Mans Sprint Cup Managing Director: “This complementary series was absolutely necessary for teams running LM P3s and CNs. With a single venue leading to reduced costs, and a format and track time adapted to the needs of teams racing small prototypes and GT Cup cars, the Asian Le Mans Sprint Cup will be the perfect launch pad for teams wishing to move up to the Asian LMS.”

Patrick Dias: Michelin Asian Pacific Motorsport manager: “Michelin remains faithful to its involvement with the ACO and supports this new series, which will aid the development in a more structured fashion of an Asian nursery of teams and drivers. It will enable them to then move up to Le Mans-labelled endurance races such as the Asian Le Mans Series and beyond. It’s also an opportunity for the CN Proto and LM P3 teams to increase their activities in Asia with two complementary ACO championships well spread out over the year.”