In a thrilling start to the Asian Le Mans Series season at Sepang, Cetilar Racing defied the odds and emerged victorious despite facing a five-second penalty. This dramatic turn of events left many spectators and even the race officials confused, with the No. 25 car initially declared the winner. However, a crucial error by race control, which was later rectified, saw Cetilar Racing's No. 47 Oreca 07 Gibson take the top spot.
The race was filled with excitement and unexpected twists. Four safety car periods and a brief rain shower added to the drama, with the lead changing hands multiple times. Antonio Fuoco, sharing the Cetilar car with Roberto Lacorte and Charlie Milesi, showed exceptional skill and strategy, building a five-second gap over the second-placed car to secure the win.
But here's where it gets controversial... The penalty served by Cetilar Racing at their final pit stop for a full course yellow infringement sparked debate. Some argue that the team's strategy of pitting for a late fuel splash cost them dearly, while others believe it was a calculated move that ultimately paid off.
And this is the part most people miss... The confusion at the end of the race, with the No. 25 car celebrating their apparent victory, highlights the importance of clear communication and decision-making in motorsports.
In the LMP2 category, the Nielsen Racing trio finished a close fourth, while the pole-winning United Autosports car managed a solid fifth place. The race saw multiple safety car periods, with incidents involving LMP3 cars causing further delays.
The LMP3 class battle was equally intense, with the No. 13 Inter Europol Ligier holding off a charging Callum Voisin to win by a mere 0.218 seconds. Team Virage's No. 1 Ligier faced an early setback, with Indian film star Ajith Kumar sustaining damage, ultimately finishing ninth.
In the GT category, Manthey pulled off a clever pit strategy, with Loek Hartog emerging ahead of the GetSpeed Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo to snatch an unlikely victory. The race concluded with Hartog, Klaus Bachler, and Antares Au taking the top spot, followed closely by the GetSpeed Mercedes-AMG and the Ecurie Ecosse Blackthorn Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo.
The second leg of the 4H Sepang promises more thrilling action, starting on Sunday at 1 p.m. local time. Who will emerge victorious in this highly competitive series? Join the discussion and share your thoughts on this exciting start to the Asian Le Mans Series season.
RESULTS: 4 Hours of Sepang (https://alms.alkamelsystems.com/Results/052025-2026/01Sepang/24Asian%20Le%20Mans%20Series/202512131300Race%201/Hour%204/03ClassificationRace%201.PDF)
Jamie Klein, Sportscar365's Asian editor, brings you this exciting coverage. Based in Japan, Klein has previously worked with Motorsport Network on various titles and covers a range of series, including the FIA World Endurance Championship and SUPER GT.
