The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) has renewed its agreement with Bahrain International Circuit, securing the Sakhir venue’s continued place on the championship calendar.
Bahrain has formed part of FIA WEC’s story since the series’ inaugural campaign in 2012. Since then, the circuit has hosted 14 races, making it one of the championship’s most frequently visited venues.
Only the Circuit de la Sarthe, home of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Belgium’s Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps have welcomed FIA WEC more often. As a result, Bahrain has become one of the series’ most established modern homes.
Lequien welcomes renewed Bahrain deal
FIA WEC CEO Frédéric Lequien welcomed the renewed contract and highlighted the strength of the championship’s long-running relationship with Bahrain International Circuit.
“We are delighted to have renewed our contract with Bahrain International Circuit. Since first featuring on the FIA World Endurance Championship calendar 14 years ago, it has firmly established itself as a popular stop on the schedule, with a tremendously warm welcome from the enthusiastic local team and superb organisation from start-to-finish. We look forward to many more exciting showdowns in Sakhir!”
The renewed agreement reinforces Bahrain’s importance to FIA WEC. Moreover, it ensures the championship will continue to visit a venue that has regularly played a decisive role in title battles.
Bahrain remains a key FIA WEC finale
Bahrain International Circuit has frequently hosted the final round of the FIA WEC season. Over the years, the Sakhir race has crowned numerous champions and delivered high-pressure title deciders.
Initially, the Bahrain round ran over six hours. However, in recent seasons, the event has expanded to eight hours, adding another layer of difficulty for teams and drivers.
The longer race format places greater emphasis on endurance, strategy and reliability. In addition, the transition from day into night against the Sakhir desert backdrop creates one of the championship’s most distinctive atmospheres.
Sakhir layout offers a stern test
The 5.412km Bahrain International Circuit layout gives FIA WEC drivers a demanding technical challenge.
With up to 54 gear changes per lap and top speeds approaching 300km/h, the circuit tests both precision and commitment. Its wide layout also encourages overtaking, allowing drivers to attempt bold moves and creating frequent battles across the field.
That combination has helped Bahrain produce several memorable FIA WEC races. Furthermore, the circuit’s mix of high-speed sections, heavy braking zones and night-time conditions makes it a fitting stage for a season finale.
Bahrain’s wider FIA WEC role continues
Beyond the race itself, Bahrain International Circuit has also become an important end-of-season hub for FIA WEC.
The venue has frequently staged the annual Rookie Test, giving emerging drivers valuable opportunities in world championship machinery. It has also hosted the end-of-season Prizegiving ceremony, further strengthening its role within the championship’s wider structure.
The 2026 Bapco Energies 8 Hours of Bahrain will take place from 5-7 November. Meanwhile, the 2027 edition has already been confirmed for 4-6 November.
BIC proud of shared endurance history
Bahrain International Circuit Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said the renewed agreement reflects the circuit’s long-term commitment to top-level motorsport and its established relationship with FIA WEC.
“Our new contract with FIA WEC continues Bahrain’s long-term commitment to elite motorsport, and we are proud of our shared history with the pinnacle of endurance racing. Since our partnership began in the inaugural season of 2012, FIA WEC has developed to become an integral part of the global motorsport calendar, with participation and fan attendance continuing to grow at an impressive rate. In Bahrain, the event remains a major highlight of our racing season and we continue to see record crowds every year.
“We are therefore delighted that the spirit of Le Mans will continue in Bahrain through the 20th anniversary of the series and well beyond. We thank the whole FIA WEC community for placing their trust in us as we embark upon the next phase of our partnership with shared optimism and excitement for the future.”
His comments underline Bahrain’s confidence in FIA WEC’s current trajectory. They also reflect the growing fan interest and manufacturer strength that have helped push the championship into one of its strongest modern eras.
Bahrain secures place in FIA WEC’s future
The renewed Bahrain International Circuit agreement gives FIA WEC continuity at one of its most familiar venues.
As the championship continues to expand in profile, Sakhir remains a proven host for endurance racing’s season-ending drama. With its challenging layout, eight-hour format and established place in FIA WEC history, the Bapco Energies 8 Hours of Bahrain will continue to play a major role in the championship’s future.
