Perrodo: Ferrari 499P Asian Hypercar Effort “In the Talks”

Photo: Eric Le Galliot/MPS Agency

Francois Perrodo has confirmed discussions with AF Corse to enter the 2026-27 Asian Le Mans Series in the new Hypercar class, although has cast questions whether the championship will go ahead as planned amid the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East.

The Frenchman, who took LMP2 Pro-Am class honors at Le Mans in 2024 in an AF Corse-run Oreca 07 Gibson, has long raced for the Amato Ferrari-owned operation, in both GT3 and LMP2 competition.

While currently focused on the European Le Mans Series ranks, as well as next weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, Perrodo revealed that he could add an Asian program later this year, should the pieces fall into place.

Perrodo is the first FIA Bronze-rated driver to confirm talks to race a Ferrari 499P, which Ferrari’s global head of endurance Antonello Coletta confirmed talks with multiple undisclosed customers.

“It’s in the talks,” Perrodo told Sportscar365 on Friday in Le Mans. “I’ve had a chat with Ferrari. It’s not a secret. Hopefully, if it happens, it’s something we’ll talk about for sure.

“But I think at the moment, there’s a lot of uncertainty with the championship and the venues and what’s going to happen with the geopolitical situation.

“We’ll see. Hopefully we’ll hear some news over the summer.”

Perrodo’s comments regarding if the series will occur this season contradicts with a statement from SRO Motorsports Group founder and CEO Stephane Ratel, who told Sportscar365 that the 2026-27 campaign “will happen” and that contingency plans are being formulated in the event the earmarked rounds in Dubai and Abu Dhabi cannot go ahead.

SRO serves as the co-promoter of the series along with the ACO.

When asked about his ideal Asian LMS schedule, Perrodo indicated that he wishes the series move entirely back to Southeast Asia.

“Being half-Asian myself, I’d love the Asian Le Mans Series to be predominately in Asia,” he said. “But I don’t mind going to the Middle East. It’s part of Asia after all.

“If it stays the same, it’s fine. If they add more races in Asia, that’s even better.”

Perrodo, who owns a Ferrari 499p Modificata, said he’s yet to drive the 499P Hypercar, although has already gotten a good impression of it with the Italian manufacturer’s LMH-based track day prototype.

“It’s a very nice car,” he said of the Modificata. “It’s fast. It’s not as playful or agile as a LMP2, but you’ve got the added weight, especially in the slow corners.

“But in a straight line, it’s very quick.”

Perrodo reaffirmed that if he does undertake an Asian Hypercar program, it would be with AF Corse and Ferrari.

“There were a couple of talks but they stopped quite early on,” he said.

Source: Sports Car 365