The Asian Le Mans Series (LMS) is facing a potential shift to a European-only schedule for the 2026-27 season, according to championship boss Frederic Lequien. This decision comes as a response to the ongoing unrest in the Middle East, which has made it challenging to organize races in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The series has been a regular fixture in the Middle East since 2021, but the current situation has led to a reevaluation of its future plans.
Lequien's statement suggests that the series might have to make a significant change, potentially turning into a European winter championship. This would be a departure from the original calendar, which included doubleheader weekends in the United Arab Emirates followed by a season finale in Sepang in mid-January. The shift to Europe could be driven by cost-related concerns for competitors, as Lequien mentions, although there are also potential venue options in Europe that could accommodate the series.
The Asian LMS has a history of racing in the Middle East, which is technically part of Asia, but the series has also ventured to Southeast Asia in recent seasons. The intention was to reduce the number of Middle Eastern races, but the calendar for the upcoming season, which was set to be announced in the spring, was postponed due to the Iran war. Now, it seems that Europe could be the fallback option, with venues like Barcelona, Paul Ricard, and Portimao being considered for the winter months.
This potential shift to Europe comes at an interesting time for the series, as it introduces the Hypercar class for the 2026-27 season, with an expected three to six cars. The LMP3 category will also be moved to the newly created Asian Le Mans Cup, which aims to mirror the format of the Michelin Le Mans Cup in Europe. The series is navigating a period of transition, and the decision to move to Europe could have significant implications for its future.
The ACO President, Pierre Fillon, confirmed that the 2026-27 Asian LMS calendar will be released alongside the final two rounds of this year's FIA World Endurance Championship season, which are currently scheduled for Qatar and Bahrain. However, there are fallback options in Barcelona and Monza if the Middle East is not viable. The series is at a crossroads, and the decision to move to Europe could shape its future in the sport, potentially impacting the participation of competitors and the overall appeal of the series.
