Racing to kick off at Bahrain International Circuit
Manama : The stage is set for the sweet sound of engines roaring today as racing flags off in the FIA WEC Bapco 6 Hours of Bahrain weekend at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir.
The meeting marks the ninth and final round of the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). It is also the series’ only stop in the entire region, making for a most unique event in the heart of the desert.
Today’s racing will take place behind closed doors. Fans will be able to enjoy all the hot competition on Friday and Saturday from 9am onwards.
Speaking ahead of the weekend’s action, BIC Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa commented: “We at BIC are delighted to welcome back the entire WEC family for another exciting edition of the Bapco 6 Hours of Bahrain.
“This is one of the most spectacular events on our racing calendar and it is a great pleasure to be hosting the WEC season’s grand finale. “In addition to WEC, we are delighted to be hosting three support series over the weekend. In particular, we are thrilled to be welcoming the World Series Formula V8 3.5 to Bahrain for the very first time, as the feeder series to WEC. We also welcome the return of the MRF Challenge, as well as our very own Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East.”
There’s so much to look forward to on the race track throughout the weekend, and with a colourful entertainment programme in the vending area, it certainly promises to be an event to remember.
Porsche, Toyota set for final battle in LMP1 class
World champions Porsche are heading into the weekend expecting mixed emotions, as Bahrain marks the manufacturers’ last-ever race in their Porsche 919 Hybrids. The team announced earlier this year that they will be withdrawing their Le Mans Prototype (LMP) 1 programme at season’s end.
Brendon Hartley, who is a third of the team’s title-winning trio in their no. two car, commented: “Going to Bahrain will be emotional for all of us. Especially as we arrive as World Champions with less pressure now. I have so many incredible memories and experiences with the 919 Hybrid, teammates, and all the boys and girls from the Porsche LMP Team.”
Chief LMP1 rivals Toyota, meanwhile, will be looking to continue their recent hot streak and end the 2017 season on a high note.
Aside from the WEC, racing will also begin for the World Series Formula V8 3.5, the MRF Challenge and the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East.
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