Porsche customers set for Asian Le Mans Series return at Dubai Autodrome

Hong Kong-based racer Antares Au will be back behind the wheel of the #33 Herberth Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 R, following their seventh-placed finish in Round 2 at Sepang International Circuit. He’ll be joined by German duo Tim Heinemann and Laurin Heinrich in Dubai.

Earl Bamber Motorsport’s two entries will be looking to challenge for the points following a frustrating opening weekend of the season in Sepang. Bastian Buus, Setiawan Santoso and Tanart Sathienthirakul will compete in the #8 car, while Adrian D’Silva, Kerong Li and team owner Earl Bamber take on the event in the #85 machine.

Meanwhile, Pure Rxcing got their campaign off to an excellent start thanks to victory in the second race at Sepang, and will be looking to continue their title charge with Klaus Bachler, Alex Malykhin and Joel Sturm piloting the #91 entry.

The Dubai Autodrome, situated just 25 minutes from downtown Dubai, boasts an FIA Grade 1 license, and is known for being the first circuit to incorporate wide asphalt run-off areas to improve racing and driver safety. The 5.39-kilometre track features significant elevation changes despite its desert location, and offers an all-round challenge to all competitors. It mixes tight technical sections with high speed, sweeping corners, while its two long straights, provide plenty of opportunities to overtake.

Track action begins on Friday 2 February, with qualifying on Saturday before the four-hour race begins at 13:00 local time on Sunday.

Antares Au, Herberth Motorsport: “I’m excited to be participating in the Asian Le Mans Series for a fourth consecutive season. The GT class has always been extremely competitive, and I look forward to working with Laurin and Tim in the Herberth Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 R (992). The three of us have already achieved a lot together, including a class win at 24 Hours of Spa, along with podiums at Indianapolis 8 and Gulf 12 Hours. We’ve done extensive preparation work at both Dubai and Yas Marina in the lead-up to the race, so I’m confident that we can achieve some strong results this weekend!”

Setiawan Santoso, Earl Bamber Motorsport: “I’m Iooking forward to starting 2024 with Round 3 of the Asian Le Mans Series at Dubai Autodrome. This will be my first race here, so I’ll work hard in practice to acclimatise to the track. While I have a steep learning curve ahead of me, I relish the challenge and can’t wait to experience this new circuit!”

Kerong Li, Earl Bamber Motorsport: “I’m excited to continue racing with Porsche in the Asian Le Mans Series. I’m grateful to be running with Earl Bamber Motorsport, and for the support of Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific. As a Porsche fan since my childhood, this is a huge honour for me and I can’t wait to get started!”

Bastian Buus, Earl Bamber Motorsport: “I feel good going into Round 3 in Dubai. The season opener at Sepang helped me to get to know my teammates, everyone in the garage and the best ways we can work together. The Asian Le Mans Series is a great start to 2024, and I’m looking forward to getting back on track after the winter break and hopefully achieving some strong results as a team!”

Alexandre Gibot, Managing Director Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific Ltd.: “I’m pleased to see our customers returning to the Asian Le Mans Series this weekend, following the season's debut in Sepang in December. It’s a championship that demands the highest concentration and grit from drivers, while also allowing us to showcase the durability of our cars. Both Herberth Motorsport and Earl Bamber Motorsport will no doubt be hungry for strong results and we know they have the potential to have a successful weekend.”