Season Opener of the Asian Le Mans Series delivers drama and double victories in Sepang

Race 1: Cetilar Racing strikes first in the rain

The opening race was shaped by Malaysian rain, four Safety Cars, and two Full Course Yellow periods, keeping strategy at the forefront throughout.In LMP2, early control came from Inter Europol Competition Oreca, while United Autosports briefly locked out the top two at the halfway mark.

Cetilar Racing steadily worked its way forward, with Antonio Fuoco taking the lead despite a five second penalty for a Full Course Yellow infringement. Fuoco built enough of a gap to serve the penalty during his final stop and rejoin in the lead. He held off a late charge from Tom Dillmann to secure victory for Cetilar Racing, ahead of Algarve Pro Racing and CrowdStrike Racing by APR.

LMP3 action saw a dramatic start, with half the field sustaining damage at Turn 2 and two (Team Virage and 23Events Racing Ligiers) having to retire. Inter Europol Competition Ligier recovered from the back of the grid to claim victory, with Henry Cubides holding off High Class Racing Ligier's Callum Voisin by just 0.218 seconds. CLX Motorsport completed the podium.Late drama defined the outcome in the GT category. Manthey Porsche initially took the flag after a final corner clash with Getspeed, but a post race penalty reversed the result. Getspeed Mercedes AMG was awarded the win, ahead of Manthey Porsche and Ecurie Ecosse Blackthorn Aston Martin.

Race 2: Cetilar completes a perfect weekend

Sunday’s race brought even heavier rain, multiple Safety Car periods, and a red flag that ended the race early. Cetilar Racing again mastered the conditions, with Roberto Lacorte, Charles Milesi, and Antonio Fuoco taking their second LMP2 victory of the weekend. Algarve Pro Racing and CrowdStrike by APR completed an identical podium to Race 1.

CLX Motorsport rebounded in LMP3, using an early pit stop strategy during a Virtual Safety Car to secure victory ahead of 23Events Racing and Forestier Racing by VPS Ligiers.In GT, Kessel Racing delivered a strategic masterclass from 15th on the grid. Strong recovery drives and timely tyre calls allowed the Swiss team to claim maximum points, finishing ahead of Team WRT BMW M4 and Origine Motorsport Porsche.

After a dramatic season opener in Malaysia, the Asian Le Mans Series now heads to the Middle East for the 4 Hours of Dubai, with two races scheduled on 31 January and 1 February.