a unique dEsert CHALLENGE

With its demanding racetrack and extreme conditions, the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir has a reputation for conjuring up some memorable battles. Brake wear is probably more an issue here than anywhere else and the four long straights put a lot of strain on the engines. The high atmospheric pressure and low humidity add extra stress. Drivers frequently drop to first gear to accelerate out of the track’s sharp turns with constant gear shifting a major factor in this race.
With intense heat, sand and rapid tyre damage added to the mix, the desert circuit calls for unwavering concentration and total commitment from drivers and pit crews. It is the ideal venue to crown the champions following an action-packed season.

A three-way fight for the Hypercar title

The tussle for the FIA Hypercar World Endurance Manufacturers’ Championship promises to be fierce. Porsche currently leads the way with a ten-point advantage over Toyota, and Ferrari a further 17 points behind. Everything is still to play for in this final round.
André Lotterer, Kévin Estre and Laurens Vanthoor (#6 Porsche) are ideally placed to pick up the drivers’ title. However, the #50 Ferrari line-up and the duo formed by Kamui Kobayashi/Nyck de Vries (#7 Toyota) won’t rest while there is still a mathematical chance. A faultless race will be crucial in determining who will be crowned.
In LMGT3, however, Manthey PureRxcing wrapped up the title at the 6 Hours of Fuji.

BMW M Team WRT and Alpine Endurance Team looking to finish in style

The #15 BMW M Hybrid V8 entered by BMW M Team WRT and the #36 Alpine A424 of Alpine Endurance Team sealed a sparkling race in Japan with a podium position. They will undoubtedly be looking to conclude their inaugural Hypercar season on a positive note. It will be a particularly special occasion for Alpine as Nicolas Lapierre will be making his début in his new role as the team’s Sporting Director.

Rookie Tests – a golden opportunity for budding talent

The traditional season-end tests for newcomers will be held on Sunday 3 November – the day after the race. The official tests are crucial for talented youngsters to show off their potential to team bosses. Several renowned drivers, such as Robert Shwartzman and Norman Nato, launched their Hypercar career at the Rookie Tests.

This year’s batch of rookies include Reshad de Gerus who will drive the Championship-winning Hypercar, while Gillian Henrion will take the wheel of the Manthey PureRxcing Porsche 911 GT3 R. Clément Novalak and Théo Pourchaire will have the opportunity to get a feel for the Peugeot 9X8 of Team Peugeot TotalEnergies, with experienced drivers such as Paul di Resta and Malthe Jakobsen on hand to offer advice.
Alpine, meanwhile, has selected Formula Two driver Victor Martins, a member of the Alpine Academy, for these tests.

Check out the provisional entry list for the Bapco Energies 8 Hours of Bahrain HERE.