The BIC launches the WEC and it’s fantastic line-up of events

The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) is all set  and ready to stage another a spectacular season of championships, motorsport activities, events and more for all to enjoy.

Starting with the season-finale of the World Endurance Championship- 8 Hours of Bahrain, powered by Bapco Energies- happening in less than a month’s time.

And fans can’t wait for the Spirit of Le Mans tor eturn on November 1 and 2.

“The WEC 8 Hours of Bahrain is an event which forms the centerpiece of the early part of our racing season in Bahrain,” said BIC Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa at yesterday’s press conference which was held at the Circuit in Sakhir. “We are deeply proud to have been part of the WEC since its beginning, representing the very best of global endurance racing.”

The competition will be held in the WEC’s two categories – the top-tier Hypercar class and the lower-rung LMGT3 category – featuring well-known drivers of the calibre of former Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button, grand prix-winner Robert Kubica, MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi as well as Jean-Éric Vergne, Nyck de Vries, Stoffel Vandoorne and former Bahrain-based resident, Formula E champions Sébastien Buemi.

“Our race continues to grow each and every year, and this is a testament to the amazing spectacle the WEC puts on, with its outstanding line-up of Hypercars and GT contenders alike, going wheel-to-wheel in Bahrain from day to night,” added Shaikh Salman. “I thank our partners at Bapco Energies, who have been a critical part of supporting this growth over many years, as well as Beyon, which returns as a support partner.

“2024 will see the return of WEC’s Open Paddock, which makes for a unique experience for all those attending, while the off-track entertainment available throughout the weekend creates an enjoyable atmosphere for the whole family.”

Group CEO of Bapco Energies, Mark Thomas, also shared updates on their Green Ticket initiative with the BIC.

“It has been growing in influence each year,” said Mark. “Combined with this year’s expected contribution, the initiative will have delivered around 15,000 new mangrove trees over three years. This programme not only celebrates the thrill of motorsport, but also underscores our shared commitment with BIC to turn our aspirations into tangible actions for a better Bahrain.”

Invited guests and members of the media were also treated to a special message from Frédéric Lequien, CEO of the FIA World Endurance Championship, where he shared his delight in returning to Bahrain.

“It is an event that has been a mainstay on the calendar, and with good reason,” said Frédéric. “Bahrain International Circuit invariably generates fantastic racing and demands total commitment from drivers and teams alike – making it a fitting venue for champions to be crowned.

“Our partners at BIC have as ever pulled out all the stops to put on a sensational spectacle both on and off-track, and for that, we offer our heartfelt thanks to Shaikh Salman and his hard-working team. We are very much looking forward to a thrilling weekend of top-drawer endurance racing entertainment to conclude another captivating WEC campaign.”

Tickets cost BD5.5 for adults and BD2.75 for children for the two-day race weekend. For details, visit bahraingp.com or call BIC’s Hotline on 17450000.

There is also so much in store of motorsport aficionados and those looking for fun and exciting activities throughout the season.

Winfield

This season, Winfield, which is a world-renowned driver academy, will become an important part of the track calendar. The racing school aims to develop a global education programme through a training centre at BIC, capable of developing the most promising future drivers and mechanics.

 For those that don’t know, the school has produced more than 30 Formula 1 drivers and two World Champions.

Its projects also offer fantastic activation tools for businesses, VIPs, opinion leaders and key people by organising Formula 4 single-seater driving experience days.

 
National racing

There will be a number of national championships at the BIC this season, headlined by the all-new Bahrain Touring Car Challenge (BTCC) and the fan-favourite Bahrain Drag Racing Championship.

The BTCC is organised and run by BIC in cooperation with the Bahrain Motor Federation (BMF) and the Circuit Racing Commission. The new campaign gets underway with testing on 11 October, followed by the opening round on 18 October. It will be just the first of seven exciting meetings running through to April of next year.

Meanwhile, the Bahrain Drag Racing Championship is a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA)-sanctioned event, with BIC’s quarter-mile drag strip a part of the NHRA’s Worldwide Network. Many top teams and drivers from across the globe compete in Bahrain, including NHRA powerhouses Bahrain1 Racing, and they will be going head-to-head for prestigious NHRA Wally trophies. The season is set to feature five rounds of battles, starting in December and continuing until February of 2025.

BIC’s world-class grassroots racing facility, Bahrain International Karting Circuit (BIKC), has already enjoyed plenty of action and excitement. The BRMC’s season-opener was held over the weekend, and BIKC’s 1.414-kilometre CIK-FIA track will be hosting another seven meetings in the Kingdom’s leading karting championship. There will also be five rounds of endurance karting action, including four three-hour events, and then the main attraction of the 24-hour race, happening 31 January and 1 February next year.

Aside from that, the BIC will also be hosting competitions in drifting, time attack, autocross, and burnout, in cooperation with the BMF, all throughout the 2024/2025 campaign.

Motorsport experiences and fan activities

The BIC calendar would not be complete without the wide range of motorsport experiences and activities on offer to the general public.

BIC’s offerings include Open Track days and nights; Ebrahim K Kanoo Drag and Drift Nights; Dragster Experience; Track Experiences featuring Clio Cup, SR1 and SR3 Driver and Passenger Experiences; Kanoo Motors Rolling Drag; YK Off-Road Experience; and Batelco Fitness on Track.

Bahrain Darts Masters

Also on the calendar is the return of the World Series of Darts. The popular Bahrain Darts Masters is scheduled for January 16 and 17 at BIC, with a 16-player field featuring many of the game's biggest icons.

BIC and sports promoter CBX have teamed up with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) to bring the event back to the Kingdom and is supported by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority.

Teenage sensation Luke Littler stormed to a famous victory on his World Series debut back in January – hitting a nine-darter during an historic event – following Michael Smith’s success in the inaugural Bahrain Darts Masters in 2023.

The excitement will be felt once again over two days at the BIC Dome, which will be transformed specifically for the occasion. Fans attending will be able to enjoy an electric atmosphere while showcasing their wacky costumes and fancy dresses.

With the date for next year’s Bahrain Darts Masters confirmed, tickets are now available for this incredible event at bahraingp.com, with a 30 per cent Early Bird Discount for a limited time only.

So visit bahraingp.com or call the BIC Hotline on 17450000 for more details on tickets and dates.