The Asian Le Mans Series has seen a trend of stability in the grid numbers in recent years, and the 2018/2019 season that is about to start will be no different, with 23 cars announced as full season entries, and probability for more to come.
The impressive news for the upcoming season is the number of new teams joining the grid, with some high quality organizations featuring programs in one or more classes, as it’s the case of United Autosports with their two Ligier JS P2s and two Ligier JS P3s, Panis Barthez Competition and their single Ligier JS P2, and TF Sport by the Red River by TF Sport banner with their single Aston Martin Vantage GT3.
United Autosports have already confirmed the return of Phil Hanson to the Asian LMS alongside Paul di Resta in the Ligier JS P2, and they also got Guy Cosmo and Patrick Byrne from Jackie Chan DC Racing to join Salih Yoluc in their LMP3 class entry.
Other new teams in the field include Ecurrie Ecosse/Nielsen Racing with two Ligier JS P3s and Inter Europol Racing with a single Ligier JS P3, as the new Team Virage Academy with an undisclosed LMP3 car.
About the returning teams, the number is expressive, especially as some of them are boosting their programs. Spirit of Race returns for a double effort as their GT class Ferrari 488 GT3 will be joined by a single Ligier JS P2 for Alexander West and pro stars Côme Ledogar and Pipo Derani, while Jackie Chan DC Racing will count again with JOTA Sport support for two LMP2 entries and two LMP3 entries. Eurasia Motorsport will be spread between two classes too, entering a Ligier JS P2 and an LMP3 car.
Focused in a single class, Algarve Pro Racing will enter two LMP2 cars, but one will be for outright honors while the other will compete for the LMP2 Am class, and ARC Bratislava will stick to their Ligier JS P2 to compete in the amateur ranks. TCR and LMP3 contender Viper NIZA Racing will bring back their Ligier JS P3 used last season, while TianShi Racing confirmed their return to the Asian LMS with two Audi R8 LMS GT3 cars for the GT class.
A proper entry list will come later on, maybe including new teams and entries from the already confirmed ones, and the 2018/2019 season will start on November 25th at Shanghai.
PHOTO: Asian Le Mans Series
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