Asian Le Mans Series: A first victory for the #35 AF Corse by Ultimate Ligier JS P320 and its rookie drivers
On December 7, 2024, under the blazing sun and track temperatures reaching 34°C, the 2024/25 Asian Le Mans Series kicked off with a memorable performance by AF Corse by Ultimate. Not only was the team entering a Ligier JS P320 in the championship for the first time, but their drivers, Matteo Quintarelli, Stéphane Lémeret, and Bence Valint, were making their debut in sport-prototype racing. The #35 Ligier JS P320 crossed the finish line ahead of High Class Racing (Seth Lucas, Marl Patterson, and Anders Fjordbach) and Graff Racing (Alexander Bukhantsov, Daniel Frost, and James Winslow), securing an exceptional first victory.
An eventful start
The first round of the season delivered an exceptional spectacle. From the outset, the race was full of twists and turns. The Inter Europol Competition Ligier JS P320s clashed on the first lap, creating a ripple effect of disruptions in the field.
Meanwhile, the #7 Graff Racing Ligier JS P320, driven by Alex Bukhantsov, took the class lead, before the #35 AF Corse by Ultimate, driven by Stéphane Lémeret, regained the lead thanks to a strategic pit stop during a Virtual Safety Car period.
A nail-biting race to the chequered flag
After four hours of intense competition, AF Corse by Ultimate's rookie drivers held their nerve and delivered an extraordinary win in the LMP3 class.
Matteo Quintarelli, at the wheel for the final stint, successfully fended off relentless pressure from Anders Fjordbach in the #49 High Class Racing Ligier JS P320. The two drivers battled fiercely to the end, with the #35 securing victory by just 2.5 seconds. Graff Racing's #7 completed the podium after a strong showing throughout the race.
A first Asian Le Mans Series victory for AF Corse by Ultimate and its rookie drivers
This win was a landmark achievement for AF Corse by Ultimate, made even more impressive by their drivers' inexperience in sport-prototypes.
Stéphane Lémeret, who had never driven the Ligier JS P320 before arriving in Sepang, shared his excitement:
“What a story, because one week ago I was not supposed to race here. So it's wonderful. When I arrived in Sepang I was not expecting such a success. We are all rookies in prototypes. I had never driven the car before arriving here. So it's crazy what we did today I think! ”
Next stop: the second race of the Sepang 4 Hours, scheduled for Sunday December 8 at 14:00 (local time). With their first victory under their belts, AF Corse by Ultimate and their drivers will look to build on this remarkable debut.
Photo credit: Asian Le Mans Series
CLICK HERE for more information on the Ligier JS P320.
CLICK HERE to have more information on the Ligier JS P325, the third generation of Ligier LMP3.