The five classes for the Asian Le Mans Series.

LM P2

Thanks to capped costs, the LM P2 has attracted constructors with limited budgets.While LM P1 is the category reserved for professionals, LM P2 puts the emphasis on amateurs as there must be at least one amateur in each team. Mixing professionals and gentlemen drivers has always been part of the Le Mans legend.The specification of the LM P2s is similar to that of the P1s (carbon monocoque chassis) while respecting very strict cost caps: new chassis at 370,000 euros for open cars and 450,000 euros for closed prototypes, while the engine price has been capped at 80,350 euros.

LM P3

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest created the new Le Mans Prototype 3 category (LM P3), which was part of the Asian Le Mans Series and European Le Mans Series continental championships back in 2015, as an entry level formula to Le Mans type endurance racing aimed at young, developing and gentleman drivers.

Its introduction reinforces the endurance pyramid put in place step by step since 1999 by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest.  Drivers can develop their skills and experience with LM P3 at continental championships before moving up to LM P2.

LM P3 cars are coupes with a carbon chassis, metal roll bar, mandatory fin and an opening at the top of each wheel arch will be mandatory. They are 15 cm shorter than the current LMP2 cars, but with the same width.

All cars are powered by a single, Nissan NISMO sourced naturally aspirated V8 engine (420 HP) with only one allowed per car per season, with the engine management system developed by Magnetti Marelli and sold by ORECA. The French company will also provide trackside service and support.

With common parts and spec tires to be used, the costs of a turn-key car is capped at 206,000 Euros.

Manufacturers for this category include Ginetta-Juno, Onroak Automotive and ADESS.

CN

Only Group CN cars with a carbon chassis will be eligible to race in the Asian Le Mans Series. This eligibility will end in 2017. Only cars holding a FIA CN Homologation (chassis) using a carbon survival cell and a Group N 2 Litre engine are eligible and the ACO has established the following list of eligible cars: LIGIER JS 53 EVO; NORMA M20 FC; LOBART LA01; PESCAROLO 02; PROMEC PJ199; TATUUS PY 012; WOLF GB08; ZULLTEC CZ2.

GT3 & GT Am

For the Asian Le Mans Series, the GT class is divided into two categories, the GT category which consists of GTE, FIA GT3 and GT 300 Japan cars; and a GTAm category which consists of the various single-make Cup Series in the region such as those from Lamborghini Super Trofeo, Porsche Carrera Cup, Ferrari Challenge, Audi R8 LMS Cup and Lotus Cup.

Credits : Content courtesy of Asian Le Mans Series