Back in April, Asian Le Mans Series had released a provisional schedule of their 2020/2021 season, aiming to have races in Japan, China, Thailand and Malaysia. But with the ever-changing landscape that made confirming a schedule extremely difficult, that provisional schedule we just mentioned was already scrapped by ALMS and replaced with a new one.
This new provisional calendar is going to be a tight one as ALMS aims to cram all the races in the month of January 2021. If you think that travelling to four countries for four rounds in the span of four weeks is a logistical nightmare, you are right. Which is why ALMS is dropping Japan and China from the calendar and will be hosting the races at Thailand and Malaysia instead.
In the new provisional calendar, the first two rounds will be held at Buriram International Circuit on January 9 and 11. The series will then have a short break before moving to Sepang for the remaining two rounds, set to be held on January 23 and 26.
This unique provisional calendar was made after the race organizer had met up with the teams and partners, taking into consideration of the time it will take teams to ship the cars to and from Asia, possible travel restrictions, as well as cost implications.
“The new condensed season has received resounding support, and I am optimistic that we can deliver another great Asian Le Mans Series season,” said Cyrille Taesch Wahlen, Managing Director of the Asian Le Mans Series.
As much as we were looking forward for the Series to make its first appearance at Suzuka Circuit, we would have to wait for another season as the priority right now is to have the races back on track with the safety the teams, officials and spectators in check.
“We are faced with challenges we would never have anticipated, and it is our responsibility to make every effort to ensure the health and safety of all of those involved. Our decision not only balances that, but it is also the most sensible option in the circumstances. It offers a new and exciting package, and I look forward to enjoying the racing once it gets underway,” said Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest.
