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ASIAN LE MANS SERIES WONT RETURN TO THE BEND IN 2022

Asian Le Mans Series won't return to The Bend in 2022 - Image: InSyde Media

By Bruce Williams

Asian Le Mans Series organisers have once again elected to run a condensed four-race two-week schedule in 2022.

To be held entirely within the United Arab Emirates, the 4 by four-hour endurance races will be split between Dubai Autodrome and Yas Marina Circuit, replication the format successfully utilised back in Janurary.

“This year has been unprecedented for all of us.” said Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest.

“What is needed now is decisive action to confirm the new calendar to allow our teams the opportunity to confirm their plans with a degree of confidence.”

“I have a thought for the whole Asian continent, once again hard hit by the pandemic.”

“I would also like to salute all the people involved in the Asian Le Mans Series for allowing us to run this extraordinary season at two impressive circuits.”

The announcement means the international series will not return to The Bend Motorsport Park next year as originally planned.

“I am very pleased to be able to announce the calendar for the 2022 Asian Le Mans Series.” said Frédéric Lequien, CEO Le Mans Endurance Management.

“The global pandemic has thrown many challenges at all of us, and our priority has remained to deliver an exciting season, in a safe and cost-effective manner.”

“We are disappointed not to be able to return to our more traditional Asia Pacific circuits.”

“We know they are going through a really tough time at the moment and hope that 2022 brings much brighter days for international motorsport in the region.”

“We look forward to returning there when the time is right. For now, I’m confident that a double-header in the UAE is an ideal solution and look forward to the new season.”

Organisers sighted that the ongoing impact of COVID-19 related travel restrictions around the globe, especially in the Asia Pacific region as the key factor in the decision to run entirely within the UAE again in 2022.

It was announced back in June 2020 that The Bend host rounds of the Asian Le Mans Series for both the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 seasons.

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