Asian Le Mans - 4H of Sepang 1

The 4H of Sepang 1 represents the opening round of the Asian Le Mans Series season. This endurance racing event takes place at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. The series brings together professional teams and emerging drivers from across Asia for competitive multiclass racing.

The 4H of Sepang 1 features two separate four-hour races on consecutive days. Each race includes three distinct classes: LMP2, LMP3, and GT. The GT category consists exclusively of GT3 specification cars. This format allows different types of race cars to compete simultaneously on the same track. Teams must manage strategy, driver changes, and fuel consumption over the four-hour duration.

Sepang International Circuit serves as the venue for this aslms event. The circuit sits approximately 45 kilometers south of Kuala Lumpur, near the international airport. Hermann Tilke designed this motorsports facility, which opened in 1999. The track measures 5.543 kilometers in length and features 15 corners. The layout includes sweeping turns and wide straights, with the track width ranging from 16 to 22 meters. A tight hairpin separates the main straight from a 0.927-kilometer back straight. The circuit can accommodate roughly 130,000 spectators.

The entry list for the 4H of Sepang 1 includes 48 cars across the three categories. The LMP2 class has 16 entries, LMP3 has 10 entries, and GT has 22 entries. Asian Le Mans Series regulations require each car to have at least one driver of Asian nationality. This rule ensures regional representation while allowing international drivers to participate. The series attracts both experienced endurance racing professionals and developing talent from Asia.

LMP2 cars use a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis paired with a Gibson 4.2-liter V8 engine that produces 560 horsepower. Michelin provides tires for all LMP2 competitors. Each LMP2 crew must include at least one Bronze-rated driver according to FIA classifications. LMP3 cars use standardized components supplied exclusively by Oreca, including engines, gearboxes, and electronics. These cars generate approximately 455 horsepower. Like LMP2, each LMP3 team must field at least one Bronze driver, and Michelin serves as the tire supplier.

GT cars in the aslms derive from production road cars but receive significant racing modifications. The series uses a Balance of Performance system to equalize the competitiveness of different GT3 car models. Each GT crew must also include one Bronze driver. Michelin supplies tires for the GT class as well. The Asian Le Mans Series Committee reserves the right to implement performance adjustments for cars in any class to maintain competitive balance.

Sepang International Circuit was constructed between 1997 and 1999 to host the Malaysian Grand Prix. The facility held Formula One races from 1999 through 2017 and continues to host the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix. The 4H of Sepang 1 joined the Asian Le Mans Series calendar in 2013, originally as a three-hour race. The event replaced the season finale previously held at Sentul International Circuit in Indonesia. The race expanded to four hours and moved to a double-header format with two races per weekend.

The Asian Le Mans Series began in 2009, evolving from the Japan Le Mans Challenge. The series operates under regulations similar to the European Le Mans Series and the FIA World Endurance Championship. Champions in the LMP2 and GT classes may earn invitations to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, creating a pathway for Asian teams to reach the most prestigious endurance race.

Sepang International Circuit experiences tropical weather conditions that can change rapidly. Races may encounter intense heat, high humidity, or sudden tropical rainstorms. These conditions add an extra challenge for teams and drivers. The circuit's grandstands feature distinctive canopy roofs shaped like palm oil tree leaves, providing shade for spectators. A dual-lane highway and high-speed train service connect the circuit to Kuala Lumpur and the airport.

The 4H of Sepang 1 offers fans the opportunity to watch prototype and GT cars competing together on a world-class circuit. The multiclass racing creates varied on-track action as faster LMP2 cars navigate through slower GT traffic. The four-hour race length tests both car reliability and team execution. This aslms event showcases endurance racing talent from Asia while welcoming international competitors to Sepang International Circuit.