Manama, September 20 (BNA): The Bahrain foreign Circuit (BIC), known as the Middle East’s Home of Motorsport, announced the commencement of its 2025–2026 season along with a schedule of both domestic and foreign competitions.
Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) launches new season
At a press conference at the circuit in Sakhir, prominent authorities and visitors were present, along with BIC Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Bapco Energies Group CEO Mark Thomas, and BIC Chief Commercial Officer Sherif Al Mahdy.
According to Shaikh Salman bin Isa, BIC hosted a record 424 events in the 2024–2025 season, up from 363 the year before. In addition to corporate events, these featured 48 races, including Formula 1 and the World Endurance Championship, as well as regional and national series involving drag racing and karting.
In addition, 112 non-motorsport events were held at the track, such as exhibitions, corporate gatherings, darts, shopping festivals, and fitness programs.
More than 64,000 people attended the 71 events and 18 races held by the Bahrain International Karting Circuit (BIKC) last season, with more than 40% of them being under 25. Shaikh Salman made this observation.
He stated that the World Endurance Championship, the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals, and the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will all take place during the upcoming season, which runs from November 28 to December 6. More than 400 drivers from more than 60 countries will compete in eight different categories. There will be nine drivers from Team Bahrain competing in six divisions.
In order to improve the experience for competitors, Shaikh Salman also mentioned that BIKC will launch a new fleet of karts at the beginning of the season.
Bahrain’s national championships, which are being held in collaboration with the Bahrain Motor Federation, will also be a highlight of the season. Among them is the Bahrain Drag Racing Championship, which is thought to be the top drag competition in the Middle East. The five rounds will take place between November and March 2026, and the winners of each category will be given the coveted “Wally Trophy,” which is given to victors of events sanctioned by the NHRA.
The Bahrain Motorcycle Championship and the Bahrain Touring Car Championship (BTCC), formerly known as the BIC 2000cc Challenge, will compete in circuit racing over seven rounds from October to April 2026.
Additionally, BIKC’s 1.414-kilometer CIK-FIA course will host two national karting championships: the Bahrain Rotax MAX Challenge and the Sakhir Rotax MAX Challenge.
Along with drifting, time attack, autocross, and burnout disciplines, there will be day and nighttime circuit and karting races.
