Bahrain International Circuit Launches Packed 2025–2026 Motorsport Season

Bahrain International Circuit Launches Packed 2025–2026 Motorsport Season

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), known as the Home of Motorsport in the Middle East, officially launched its 2025–2026 season with an ambitious programme of international, regional, and national events. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the iconic circuit in Sakhir, attended by Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, BIC Chief Executive; Mark Thomas, CEO of Bapco Energies Group; Sherif Al Mahdy, BIC Chief Commercial Officer; and several senior officials and guests.

Shaikh Salman highlighted BIC’s remarkable growth, revealing that the circuit hosted a record 424 events during the 2024–2025 season up from 363 the previous year. These included 48 races, among them global headline events like Formula 1 and the World Endurance Championship (WEC), as well as popular regional and national series such as drag racing and karting. The venue also held 112 non-motorsport events, from fitness programmes and exhibitions to corporate functions and festivals.

The Bahrain International Karting Circuit (BIKC) also saw a surge in activity, hosting 71 events and 18 races last season, drawing over 64,000 participants, with more than 40% under the age of 25. Shaikh Salman announced that BIKC will introduce a new fleet of karts this season to further enhance the experience for participants and young drivers.

Among the highlights of the upcoming season are three major international events: the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, the World Endurance Championship, and the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals, which will take place from November 28 to December 6, 2025. The Rotax event is expected to bring together more than 400 drivers from over 60 countries, competing across eight categories. Team Bahrain will participate with nine drivers in six classes, showcasing the Kingdom’s growing motorsport talent.

The season will also shine a spotlight on Bahrain’s national championships, held in collaboration with the Bahrain Motor Federation. The Bahrain Drag Racing Championship, widely regarded as the premier drag series in the Middle East, returns with five rounds scheduled between November and March 2026. Winners in each category will be awarded the prestigious “Wally Trophy,” the hallmark of NHRA-sanctioned events.

In circuit racing, fans can look forward to the Bahrain Touring Car Championship (BTCC) formerly the BIC 2000cc Challenge and the Bahrain Motorcycle Championship, both contested over seven rounds from October 2025 to April 2026.

Karting will remain a core focus, with two national championships the Sakhir Rotax MAX Challenge and the Bahrain Rotax MAX Challenge taking place on BIKC’s 1.414-kilometre CIK-FIA track. These races, along with competitions in drifting, time attack, autocross, and burnout, will be held both day and night, underlining BIC’s commitment to delivering year-round motorsport action.

With a calendar that blends world-class motorsport with national development, Bahrain International Circuit continues to position itself as a leading global venue for racing, community engagement, and innovation in the automotive world.