Asian Le Mans - 4H of Dubai 2

The 4H of Dubai 2 represents a key race in the Asian Le Mans Series calendar at Dubai Autodrome. This endurance race brings together teams and drivers from three major categories to compete in a four-hour battle on one of the region's premier motorsport facilities. The event serves as rounds three and four of the 2024-25 AsLMS season, with two separate four-hour races held across the weekend.

Race Format and Competition

The 4H of Dubai 2 features competition across three distinct classes. LMP2 cars represent the top prototype category with 560-horsepower Gibson engines powering carbon-fiber chassis from manufacturers including Dallara, Ligier, Oreca, and Riley Tech/Multimatic. The LMP3 class includes cars from Ligier, Duqueine Engineering, Ginetta, and Adess, all equipped with Oreca powertrains delivering 455 horsepower. GT competitors race FIA GT3-specification machines from Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, McLaren, Mercedes, and Lamborghini.

The Asian Le Mans Series at Dubai Autodrome offers significant rewards for competitors. Champions in the LMP2 and GT categories earn guaranteed entry to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, making this event crucial for teams aiming to compete at motorsport's most famous endurance race. All three classes use Michelin tires, creating a level playing field in terms of tire performance.

Dubai Autodrome Circuit

Dubai Autodrome opened in 2004 as the first fully integrated motorsports facility in the United Arab Emirates. The FIA Grade 1 circuit measures 5.390 kilometers with 16 corners that test both car and driver capabilities. The track features fast straights combined with technical sections, including a challenging hairpin bend and sweeping curves that demand precision.

The circuit layout includes elevation changes that add complexity to racing lines and braking points. Dubai Autodrome was the first FIA-sanctioned circuit to incorporate wide asphalt run-off areas, prioritizing driver safety while maintaining competitive racing. The venue offers six different configurations, with four dedicated to racing, and three configurations can operate at the same time.

Facility Features

Dubai Autodrome provides comprehensive facilities for teams and spectators. The main grandstand accommodates 7,000 spectators with clear views of the track action. The complex includes private corporate hospitality suites, retail stores, and restaurants. Teams benefit from the Motorsport Business Park and VIP Paddock area for their operations during race weekends.

The venue also houses the Dubai Kartdrome, which features both indoor and outdoor karting circuits. The outdoor karting track extends 1.2 kilometers with 17 corners, offering additional motorsport activities beyond the main circuit.

Technical Specifications

Each class in the Asian Le Mans Series operates under specific technical regulations. LMP2 cars must use data recorders homologated by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest. All competitors must provide radio frequencies for communication between engineers and drivers. Tire regulations specify the number of dry and wet weather tires allowed per competition, with mandatory use of new dry weather tires at the start.

The GT class employs a Balance of Performance mechanism to ensure competitive racing between different manufacturers. This system adjusts various parameters to level performance across the diverse range of GT3 machinery. Driver categorization follows FIA regulations published on October 1, 2024, ensuring fair classification based on driver experience and skill levels.

Teams and Participants

The 4H of Dubai 2 attracts professional endurance racing teams alongside emerging talent from the region. The entry list for this edition includes teams competing in all three categories, with experienced drivers sharing cars with developing racers. This mix creates opportunities for talent development while maintaining high competitive standards.

The Asian Le Mans Series provides a platform for teams to gain experience in endurance racing formats. The four-hour race duration requires strategic decisions on tire management, fuel consumption, and driver changes. Teams must balance speed with reliability to complete the full race distance competitively.

Asian Le Mans Series Context

The Automobile Club de l'Ouest established the Asian Le Mans Series in 2009 as a successor to the Japan Le Mans Challenge. The series promotes endurance racing across Asia and the Middle East, following the same regulations and technical standards as other ACO-sanctioned championships. This connection to the ACO provides teams with a clear pathway to compete at Le Mans.

Dubai Autodrome has become a regular venue for the AsLMS, offering reliable weather conditions and world-class facilities. The circuit's previous hosting experience includes the FIA GT Championship, Dubai 24 Hour race, European Touring Car Championship, and GP2 Asia series. This history demonstrates the track's capability to handle major international motorsport events.

Race Coverage and Access

The Asian Le Mans Series provides live coverage of all races through their official YouTube channel with English commentary. This broadcast allows fans worldwide to follow the action from practice sessions through to the race finish. The streaming coverage includes multiple camera angles and live timing data.

The location in Dubailand makes Dubai Autodrome accessible for both local and international spectators. The facility's comprehensive amenities ensure comfort for attendees throughout race day activities.

What Makes This Event Notable

The 4H of Dubai 2 combines several factors that distinguish it within the AsLMS calendar. The FIA Grade 1 certification confirms the circuit meets the highest international standards for racing facilities. The guaranteed Le Mans entry for class champions adds significant stakes to the competition. The three-class format ensures continuous action throughout the four-hour duration, with different strategies and pace creating varied racing situations.

Dubai Autodrome's desert location and modern facilities create a unique environment for endurance racing. The track's technical layout rewards both driver skill and engineering excellence. Teams must optimize setup for the circuit's combination of high-speed sections and tight corners while managing tire wear and fuel consumption across the race distance.