TDT | Manama
Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Today marks the start of this year’s Bapco Energies Bahrain 8 Hours at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), the ‘home of motorsport in the Middle East’.
BIC brings the curtain down on the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) this weekend, but before that, the spirit of Le Mans comes alive in Sakhir with a program packed with world-class racing and fun family entertainment. .
Two practice sessions each for WEC and Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East (PCCME) will begin with on-track sessions on Thursday, all behind closed doors. BIC will open its doors tomorrow and Saturday for fans to watch some of the best teams and drivers in endurance motorsport race around in iconic and technologically advanced hybrid and sports cars.
Gates are scheduled to open tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Thursday’s action begins with the first 45 minutes of PCCME practice at 11:15 a.m. The WEC opening practice will then take place for 90 minutes starting at 12:15 p.m.
A second PCCME practice is then scheduled to start at 4:15 p.m., before WEC runners head out for an evening practice session starting at 5:30 p.m. This year’s Bapco Energies Bahrain 8 Hours will be the 12th time that the WEC has raced in Sakhir, and the fifth time that the event has been held in the current 8-hour format.
symbolic
WEC competing teams feature 36 hybrid and sports cars from the most iconic brands in the global automotive industry, including Le Mans Hypercar (LMH), Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2), Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2), Le Mans Races will be held in three categories: Man and Grand. Tour Enduring (LMGTE) Morning.
Yesterday, drivers, along with members of their team’s crews, conducted their customary pre-weekend track walk. Four of the seven 2023 WEC titles have already been decided ahead of the final race of the season.
Toyota Gazoo Racing has won the FIA Hypercar World Endurance Manufacturers Championship, making it their fifth consecutive title. Hearts Team His Jota won his FIA World Cup with his Hypercar Team and Corvette Racing won his FIA Endurance Trophy with his LMGTE Am Team.
Additionally, the FIA Endurance Trophy for LMGTE Am drivers was won by Corvette Racing’s Ben Keating, Nicky Catsburg and Nicolas Vallone. The FIA Hypercar World Endurance Drivers Championship title, the FIA Endurance Trophy for LMP2 teams and the FIA Endurance Trophy for LMP2 drivers are still being contested in Bahrain. In addition to the races, the Bapco Energies Bahrain 8 Hours will feature plenty of family-friendly entertainment and a WEC-exclusive open paddock experience. This is a unique feature that allows fans to enjoy behind-the-scenes access right next to the team. You might even be able to visit one of the sport’s star drivers in person by visiting his garage.
A colorful off-track attraction to enjoy tomorrow and Saturday will be available in the BIC vending area. Includes stunt shows, classic car shows, car simulators, roaming performers, children’s stage shows, and other great entertainment. .