Super GTs will be eligible for the inaugural Asian Le Mans Series in 2013
The Asian Le Mans Series will be opened up to GT 300 entries from the Asian Super GT Series for its inaugural season in 2013.
The Automobile Club de l'Ouest and the GTA - the respective promoters of the two championships - confirmed that GT 300s would be eligible for the GTC category of the Asian Le Mans Series' first season.
Both parties will work on technical solutions in order to balance performance with other GTC entries, and will collaborate on individual calendars in order to avoid clashes and ensure Super GT teams can compete in both series.
Masaaki Bandoh, chairman of the GTA, said he hoped the deal would further the overall development of motorsport in Asia.
"Through this collaboration, I feel sure that our Asian strategy, the organisation of GT 300 races in Asia and the training of local teams and drivers will be a strong factor in the development of the motor racing industry in these countries," he said.
"The collaboration between the ACO [and], the GTA is taking its first steps. I believe and hope that together we can contribute to the development of motor sport in Asia."
Pierre Fillon, president of the ACO, added: "To be able to count on the support of the GTA in our development in Asia is great news for the ACO, and also for our new Asian Le Mans Series in 2013 as well as its promotional category, GTC.
"I'd like to offer my sincere thanks to President Bandoh and his team who came to the Le Mans 24 Hours in June to make this proposal to us. I'm sure that the ACO/GTA balance of performance will be a big success for the two championships in 2013."
For the first year of the Asian Le Mans Series, GTC - a promotional category - will therefore be open to GT 300s, FIA GT3s and single-make Cup cars.
The championship will hold six races in its inaugural season, with races in China and Japan expected to join a December visit to Sentual, Indonesia. A full calendar is expected to be announced in September.
