With the ongoing regional conflict in the Middle East creating geopolitical and logistical uncertainties, the 2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series will be held in Europe, with races in France, Spain and Portugal for a special Winter Le Mans Series.
A range of options has been carefully evaluated since the beginning of the year with one clear objective: to avoid any disruption to the championship and provide teams, drivers and partners with certainty, regardless of how the situation evolves.
There were several factors that had a bearing on the decision to move the championship to Europe. Because of the unprecedented situation, the circuits in Asia that are able to host an ALMS event over the winter months had very limited availability and there were significant logistical costs involved. There was also the requirement to avoid clashes with Daytona and Bathurst.
As a result, the 2026–2027 season will exceptionally be held entirely in Europe under the banner of the Winter Le Mans Series. This unique format preserves the spirit of endurance racing while maintaining the high sporting standards that have become the hallmark of the championship.
The Winter Le Mans Series will begin at the Circuit Paul Ricard in France with Rounds 1 and 2 on the 13-15 November. After the Christmas break, the ALMS will resume with two 4-hour races in Spain at the Circuito de Jerez near Cadiz on the 15-17 January. The 2026/27 season will conclude with a pair of races at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal on the 19-21 February.
The season will also introduce significant new developments. The Hypercar category will make its debut, while the new Asian Le Mans Cup will be launched for LMP3 and GT3 competitors, with two 2-hour races at each event, further enhancing the diversity and appeal of the championship.
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest: “2026 has proven to be exceptional, with external constraints that are completely out of our control forcing us to make decisions that are in everyone’s interests in difficult circumstances. It is with all the facts, and after consultation with all parties, the decision was taken to move the Asian Le Mans Series to Europe for the 2026/27 season.
“The Winter Le Mans Series will provide the best platform for teams and drivers to compete for one of the top prizes in endurance, the Asian Le Mans Series title and, for the LMP2 and GT3 champions, an automatic invitation to the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans. It will also be a great opportunity for fans of endurance to see Hypercars in action in the ALMS for the first time.
“Le Mans is more than a place - it is a spirit. This winter, that spirit will thrive on some of Europe’s finest circuits as we look forward to returning to Asia when conditions allow.”
Frédéric Lequien, ALMEM and LMEM CEO: “While this represents a departure from the championship’s traditional identity, it is a carefully considered decision driven by the current circumstances and made in the best interests of the series and its competitors.
“We had explored several options with regards to holding races in Asia but, because of the late changes forced on us, the availability of circuits that are able to host an ALMS event were limited and the logistical costs were significant. We also had to try and avoid a clash Daytona and Bathurst, which limited our options in Asia even further.
“Our priority remains to provide teams with a stable, competitive and clearly defined championship. This approach ensures the continuity of the series while allowing competitors to prepare for the season with confidence.
“The Asian Le Mans Series extends its sincere thanks to its teams, partners, manufacturers, drivers and fans for their continued trust and support. Although this season will feature an unprecedented format, it will retain all the excitement, competitiveness and endurance spirit that define the championship.
Stéphane Ratel, SRO Motorsports Group Founder & CEO: “While moving the Asian Le Mans Series to Europe is not ideal, the situation in the Middle East dictated that we worked to find the best solution. Between SRO, LMEM and the ACO we have a huge pool of experience to draw on, and the consensus was a Winter Le Mans Series in southern Europe was the most sensible option given the mounting external constraints.
“The championship will visit three of Europe’s premier racing venues, Le Castellet, Jerez and Portimao, each renowned for its world-class facilities and outstanding sporting challenge. Now we have a confirmed calendar we are sure that the Winter Le Mans Series will be successful and we look forward to returning to Asia for the 2027/28 season.”
| 2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series / Winter Le Mans Series Calendar | |||
| Rounds 1 & 2 | 13-15 Nov 2026 | Circuit Paul Ricard | FRA |
| Rounds 3 & 4 | 15-17 Jan 2027 | Circuito de Jerez Angel Nieto | ESP |
| Rounds 5 & 6 | 19-21 Feb 2027 | Autodromo Internacional do Algarve | POR |
