4H of Dubai 1

The 4H of Dubai 1 stands as a premier endurance race within the Asian Le Mans Series calendar. This four-hour competition takes place at Dubai Autodrome, bringing together international sports car racing teams across multiple categories. The 2025 edition featured 46 entries competing in LMP2, LMP3, and GT classes at one of the Middle East's most advanced racing facilities.

Race Format and Categories

The 4H of Dubai 1 aslms event follows an endurance racing format that tests both driver skill and team strategy over four hours of competition. Teams compete across three distinct categories, each showcasing different types of racing machinery.

LMP2 Class

The LMP2 category features advanced prototype race cars from manufacturers like Oreca. The 2025 race included 10 entries in this premier class. Teams such as Pure Rxcing, DKR Engineering, and Graff Racing fielded entries with professional driver lineups. Julien Andlauer joined the No. 91 Pure Rxcing Oreca for this race, bringing additional expertise to the field.

LMP3 Competition

Seven LMP3 entries competed in the 2025 event, providing a development platform for emerging teams and drivers. RLR MSport, Bretton Racing, High Class Racing, and Ultimate fielded Ligier chassis in this category. Driver changes included Chris Short joining the No. 15 RLR MSport Ligier and Griffin Peebles taking over in the No. 26 Bretton Racing entry.

GT Field

The GT category attracted the largest field with 29 entries representing multiple manufacturers. Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes, Aston Martin, McLaren, and Audi machinery competed throughout the race. Notable teams included AF Corse, Herberth Motorsport, Optimum Motorsport, Proton Competition, Earl Bamber Motorsport, and Winward Racing. The diverse manufacturer representation showcases the competitive nature of GT sports car racing in the aslms championship.

Dubai Autodrome Circuit

Dubai Autodrome serves as the home venue for the 4H of Dubai 1. The facility opened in 2004 and holds FIA Grade 1 certification. The circuit measures 5.390 kilometers in length and features a layout combining high-speed straights with technical corner sequences.

Track Characteristics

The circuit offers six different configurations, with the main layout featuring between 11 and 17 turns depending on the specific setup. Clive Bowen of Apex Circuit Design created the track layout, while Populous handled the facility architecture. The circuit was the first FIA-sanctioned venue to incorporate wide asphalt run-off areas, setting new standards for driver safety.

Facility Features

Dubai Autodrome represents the first fully integrated motorsports complex in the United Arab Emirates. The venue includes retail stores, themed restaurants, and corporate hospitality suites. A public grandstand accommodates 7,000 spectators. The separate Kartdrome facility offers both outdoor and indoor karting options. The circuit design allows three different configurations to operate simultaneously and independently.

Participant Teams and Drivers

The 2025 4H of Dubai 1 entry list featured international teams from various countries. The initial announcement on January 24 listed 47 entries, with a revised list published on January 30 reducing the total to 46 following the withdrawal of the No. 90 Blackthorn Aston Martin.

Notable Driver Lineups

Several driver changes occurred between the Sepang round and Dubai. Dragon Racing fielded two Ferrari entries with Todd Coleman, Lorcan Hanafin, and Aaron Telitz in the No. 08 car. Winward Racing brought Luca Stolz into the No. 81 Mercedes lineup. Reema Juffali joined Jonathan Adam and Charles Bateman in the No. 19 Blackthorn Aston Martin. Earl Bamber Motorsport featured Jamie Day, Mattia Drudi, and Gabriel Rindone in their entry.

Regional Representation

The QMMF by Herberth Porsche No. 46 showcased regional talent with Ibrahim Al-Abdulghani, Abdulla Ali Al-Khelaifi, and Ghanim Ali Al Maadheed behind the wheel. Car Guy Racing adjusted their Ferrari lineup with Takeshi Kimura and Casper Stevenson joining the team. These entries demonstrate the international appeal of the aslms series and the 4H of Dubai 1 specifically.

Technical Specifications

Each category in the 4H of Dubai 1 operates under specific technical regulations. LMP2 machines represent the fastest prototypes in the Asian Le Mans Series, utilizing powerful turbocharged engines and advanced aerodynamics. LMP3 cars offer a more accessible entry point while maintaining competitive speeds. GT entries must balance road car origins with race-prepared modifications.

Vehicle Technology

The variety of manufacturers in the GT class brings different technical approaches to the Dubai Autodrome circuit. Ferrari's mid-engine layout contrasts with Porsche's rear-engine design philosophy. Mercedes and Aston Martin offer front-engine GT platforms. McLaren brings its carbon fiber chassis technology. This diversity creates interesting strategic variations throughout the four-hour race duration.

Event History and Development

The Asian Le Mans Series added the 4H of Dubai 1 to its calendar in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic led to restructuring the championship schedule, with the entire season taking place in the United Arab Emirates that year. Dubai Autodrome's inclusion provided teams with a challenging circuit combining technical sections and high-speed zones.

Circuit Heritage

Since opening in 2004, Dubai Autodrome has positioned itself as the home of UAE national motorsport. The facility has hosted various racing series and events throughout its history. The venue appeared on The Amazing Race Season 25, bringing international television exposure. The sophisticated digital surveillance system and modern infrastructure support professional-level competition.

Strategic Racing Elements

The four-hour duration requires teams to balance speed with reliability. Driver changes and fuel strategy play crucial roles in the final results. The Dubai Autodrome layout rewards consistent lap times rather than single-lap pace. Teams must manage tire wear across different compound options while adapting to changing track conditions.

Location and Access

Dubai Autodrome sits in Motorcity within the Dubailand district, approximately 20 minutes from Dubai city center. This central location makes the 4H of Dubai 1 accessible for local fans and international visitors. The venue's position within the UAE's largest city provides teams with excellent logistical support and accommodation options.

Championship Significance

The 4H of Dubai 1 represents an important round in the Asian Le Mans Series season. Points earned at Dubai Autodrome contribute to championship standings across all three categories. Teams use this race to develop their endurance racing programs and prepare for longer events. The aslms series provides a pathway for teams and drivers working toward international sports car racing programs.