WEC - Bahrain

The Bapco Energies 8 Hours of Bahrain represents the final round of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship season. This eight-hour endurance race takes place at Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, where champions will be crowned in both the Hypercar and LMGT3 categories. The circuit in the Bahrain desert provides a unique setting for this season-ending competition.

Bahrain International Circuit

Bahrain International Circuit spans 5.412 kilometers through the Sakhir desert, south of Manama. The circuit features 15 corners with a combination of seven left-hand and eight right-hand turns. Drivers spend approximately 60 percent of each lap at full throttle, utilizing the long straights and heavy braking zones that define the track's character.

The circuit surface consists of abrasive graywacke aggregate imported from Shropshire, England. This material provides consistent grip while testing tire durability throughout the eight-hour race. The facility holds an FIA Grade 1 license and operates as an FIA Centre of Excellence for safety standards.

Night Racing Capabilities

The circuit features 495 light posts that enable night racing conditions. The venue can accommodate 45,000 spectators, with 10,500 seats located in the main pit straight grandstand. The facility offers five FIA-certified track configurations, plus a test oval and drag strip for additional motorsports activities.

Championship Classes and Competitors

The 2026 WEC season features two primary categories at Bahrain. The Hypercar class includes manufacturers Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Genesis, Peugeot, and Toyota. Genesis Magma Racing joins the championship as a new Hypercar entrant for this season.

The LMGT3 class brings together nine manufacturers: Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche. New teams in LMGT3 include Garage 59 with McLaren, Racing Team Turkey with Corvette, and TF Sport. Success ballast will be applied to LMGT3 cars at this race, affecting the competitive balance based on prior performance.

Technical Regulations for 2026

The 2026 season introduces mandatory Energy Recovery Systems for all newly approved Hypercars. This requirement marks the transition away from non-hybrid prototypes in the premier category. The Hypercar regulations have been extended through 2032, providing stability for manufacturer programs.

Aerodynamic rules now limit rear wing flex to 2.5 millimeters under a load of 100 Newtons, reduced from the previous 5-millimeter standard. The championship uses Excellium Racing 100, a completely renewable fuel produced by TotalEnergies. This fuel derives from bioethanol sourced from wine residues and ETBE from circular economy processes, achieving at least 65 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Circuit History and Development

Hermann Tilke designed Bahrain International Circuit, which was constructed in 16 months between 2002 and 2004 at a cost of approximately 150 million dollars. The facility opened on April 4, 2004, hosting the first Formula 1 race in the Middle East. Michael Schumacher won that inaugural event for Ferrari, and Turn 1 now bears his name.

The circuit was built on land that previously served as a camel farm. Today, 1,120 palm trees surround the track, and large run-off areas help prevent desert sand from affecting the racing surface. Over 4,700 staff work at the circuit during major race weekends, including security personnel, marshals, and medical professionals.

The Eight-Hour Challenge

The eight-hour race duration at Bahrain stands as a unique format within the WEC calendar. This extended length tests both car reliability and team strategy as the race transitions through different lighting conditions. The combination of high temperatures, abrasive track surface, and sustained high-speed running creates a demanding test for all components.

Teams must balance performance with preservation over this extended period. Tire management becomes critical with approximately 82,000 tires used across the race weekend. The long straights and multiple overtaking opportunities provide numerous chances for position changes throughout the eight hours.

Bahrain and the WEC

Bahrain has established itself as a cornerstone of the WEC's presence in the Middle East. The circuit holds a hosting agreement with the championship through 2027. The facility has received multiple FIA awards for its standards and operations.

The venue supports environmental initiatives, with a portion of each ticket sale contributing to new mangrove planting projects in Bahrain. This race offers fans both live attendance options and streaming coverage through the official FIA WEC TV platform, making it accessible to audiences worldwide as the season reaches its conclusion.