Narain Karthikeyan joins Ajith Kumar Racing for Asian Le Mans

Ajith Kumar Racing will field a team in the upcoming Asian Le Mans Series. South Indian actor and motorsport enthusiast Ajith Kumar will drive for his own team, and he’ll be joined by India’s first F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan.

Confirming the news, Kumar said, “It’s truly a privilege to have Narain join the team. Racing alongside him is an honour. With Narain, this Asian Le Mans Series is something very special for all of us.”

1. 2025 Asian Le Mans Series will have three rounds
2. Karthikeyan returning to Asian Le Mans

Ajith Kumar, Narain Karthikeyan racing in Asian Le Mans

2025-26 Asian Le Mans Series kicks off in December

This year’s Asian Le Mans Series will have three rounds, to be held at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit, Dubai Autodrome and Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit. Each round will host two 4-hour races. Competitors are divided across three classes – LMP2 and LMP3 prototypes and GT3 racers based on road-going machines.

The announcement shared by Ajith Kumar Racing shows a prototype, but it is understood that the team is still evaluating which category it will be racing in.

Ajith Kumar’s racing team currently competes in the GT4 European Series and the 24H European Series. The team is now set to make its Asian Le Mans debut and has joined forces with Karthikeyan for this.

Alongside years of single-seater experience, Karthikeyan also brings crucial endurance racing experience. He had previously raced in the Asian Le Mans Series in 2021 alongside Arjun Maini and Naveen Rao. That was the very first all-Indian team to compete internationally in endurance racing.

“I’ve known Ajith for many years, and it’s great to see him now racing at a professional level. I’m excited to partner with him in the upcoming Asian Le Mans Series and look forward to an incredible journey ahead,” said Karthikeyan.

It is understood that Karthikeyan’s collaboration with the Ajith Kumar Racing team will expand beyond just the Asian Le Mans Series in the future. The former F1 driver will also be assisting the team with driver scouting and training.

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