BIC signs FIA WEC extension deal to 2027

TDT | Manama       

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The FIA World Endurance Championship will continue to include Bahrain International Circuit in the calendar until at least 2027 thanks to a new deal extending the partnership.

BIC has been a part of the WEC calendar since the inaugural season in 2012. Over the last decade, Bahrain has hosted ten WEC races, including the season finale six times, with the race format in Bahrain running to a six or eight-hour duration.

In 2021, it also became the first venue to host a season-ending double header, with races taking place over consecutive weekends. Over the history of the decade-long partnership, Bahrain has developed as a venue as the championship has evolved, adding to the spirit of Le Mans by becoming a night race in 2014.

It has also witnessed some of the great moments in the sport, including the crowing of six champions over the years in the top tier category, as well as incredible battles in the LMP2 and LMGTE categories.

With interest in endurance racing continuing to grow in the region, fans will be able to get their FIA WEC action at least until 2027, with Bahrain International Circuit also set to conclude the 2022 FIA WEC season on 12 November.

Frédéric Lequien, FIA WEC CEO, said, “We are delighted to announce the extension of our deal with Bahrain International Circuit to continue racing at this fabulous venue until at least 2027. Bahrain has always been a supporter of the FIA World Endurance Championship and has featured in all but one of our seasons.

We have seen races there to six or eight hours over the years, and even both formats last year. BIC provides drivers with a great racing challenge. We can’t wait to head to Bahrain later this year and look forward to racing there long into the future.”

Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of Bahrain International Circuit, said, “Since we began our partnership with WEC, we have sought to be committed as a long term venue alongside the championship.

Indeed, over the years, the series has grown and matured and we are delighted to have developed alongside that as a venue, with local and regional interest continuing to grow.

“Looking to the future, there is much to be excited about and we look forward to working closely with WEC in delivering for global motorsport fans. The introduction of the Hypercar category last year marked a new era for the series and with the excitement of new and significant brands coming into the sport, we can all look forwards with some confidence,” he added.