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FIA Press Releases

WEC: three-way title fight in Bahrain’s desert decider
Sport news
Heading into the eighth and final round of the season, Ferrari, Porsche and Cadillac are all in the hunt for both Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ Hypercar honours.
Bahrain International Circuit, the venue for the title showdown, is a well-established staple on the FIA WEC calendar, having welcomed the series on 13 previous occasions.
The track’s wide nature encourages overtaking manoeuvres. Key challenges include the sandy and sometimes slippery surface, racing from day into night, and high temperatures inside the cockpit. Its demanding 5.412 km layout asks a lot of drivers, cars, brakes and tyres, with top speeds exceeding 300 km/h down the four long straights and over 60% of the 15-turn lap spent at full throttle.
FERRARI FAVOURITE FOR HYPERCAR HONOURS
As it has done all season long, it is Ferrari that leads the way, holding a 39-point advantage over second-placed Porsche in the FIA Hypercar World Endurance Manufacturers’ Championship, with two of the Prancing Horse’s three crews also in contention for the Drivers’ title.
The Ferrari 499P won the first four rounds of the year, and while the scarlet and yellow machines have since reached the podium just once – the #50 taking the chequered flag second at COTA – with only 66 points left in play in the Middle East, the famous Maranello-based marque remains the firm favourite to lift the laurels.
Porsche, however, has not given up the fight. The German manufacturer arrives in Bahrain with momentum on its side, off the back of victory in Austin and podium finishes in Le Mans, São Paulo and Fuji.
While Cadillac might be an outside bet, with 61 points to make up on Ferrari, the American manufacturer continues to show strong form, especially in qualifying, having clinched three pole positions out of the last four events.
FOUR-WAY FIGHT FOR DRIVERS’ GLORY
The situation is slightly closer in the Drivers’ ranking. Antonio Giovinazzi, James Calado and Alessandro Pier Guidi in the #51 Ferrari sit 13 points ahead of the privately entered #83 AF Corse 499P piloted by Le Mans winners Robert Kubica, Yifei Ye and Phil Hanson.
Courtesy of their stellar recent streak, defending title-holders Kévin Estre and Laurens Vanthoor have clawed their way to within 21 points of the championship leaders following a slow start to the season, while Will Stevens, Norman Nato and 2025’s standout qualifier Alex Lynn are flying the flag for Cadillac, 34 points adrift at the top of the table. Notably, the event will mark the final race of #38 V-Series.R driver Jenson Button’s long and illustrious career in motorsport. The Briton triumphed in Formula 1’s Bahrain Grand Prix in 2009.
CIRCUIT SPECIALIST KEEN ON SAKHIR SUCCESS
Beyond the main battle, outgoing Manufacturers’ world champion Toyota has just one more chance in 2025 to take away something tangible from what has so far been a silverware-free campaign.
Ten of the 13 races held to date in Sakhir have been won by the Japanese carmaker, including the last eight in succession. Kamui Kobayashi holds the Hypercar lap record in Bahrain – achieved during qualifying in 2021 – while Sébastien Buemi unleashed a phenomenal performance last year to earn Toyota another world championship trophy against almost inconceivable odds.
WINNER TAKES ALL IN LMGT3?
There is a three-way tussle in prospect in LMGT3, with the same marques in the mix as Porsche and Ferrari bid to stave off a growing challenge from Cadillac’s sister GM brand, Corvette.
It is GT racing benchmark Manthey that has once again worked its way to the head of the order, with the ever-consistent #92 Manthey 1st Phorm Porsche shared by Richard Lietz, Riccardo Pera and Ryan Hardwick leading the way from the #21 VISTA AF Corse Ferrari of Alessio Rovera, Simon Mann and François Hériau – the Italian-entered trio having lost seven points due to a late-race penalty last time out in Japan.
That leaves the gap between the two crews at 11 points going to Bahrain – the same as the difference between first and second place in the forthcoming eight-hour contest – potentially setting the scene for a winner-takes-all finale. In the Corvette camp, meanwhile, Charlie Eastwood, Rui Andrade and Tom Van Rompuy’s last-gasp victory at Fuji means the trio go into the desert decider just 24 points off the pace in the #81 yellow-and-black machine.
KEY INFO
- Free Practice: Thursday, 6 November
- Qualifying & Hyperpole: Friday, 7 November – starts at 16:00 local time (14:00 CET)
- Race Start: Saturday, 8 November – 14:00 local time (12:00 CET)
- Rookie Test: Sunday, 9 November
- For further information, including the full event timetable and entry list, click HERE.
World Endurance Championship
WECEndurance8 Hours of BahrainWECSEASON 2025SportCircuit1SportWorld Endurance ChampionshipCircuitWECSEASON 2025WECEndurance8 Hours of Bahrain01Wednesday, November 5, 2025 - 11:25amWednesday, November 5, 2025 - 11:25am
INTERNATIONAL COURT OF APPEAL - Hearing October 29, 2025
Sport news
Hearing
Case ICA-2025-04: Appeal lodged on behalf of Nasser Racing Team against Decision No. 6 dated 27 July 2025 of the Stewards of the Baja España Aragon, counting towards the 2025 FIA World Baja Cup and the 2025 FIA European Baja Cup.
On 27 July 2025, during the Baja España Aragón, counting towards both the 2025 FIA World Baja Cup and the 2025 FIA European Baja Cup, car No. 206 of Toyota Gazoo Racing was reported by the Technical Delegate for a breach of Article 285-11.5 of Appendix J to the International Sporting Code, concerning rear wheel travel.
Measurements taken during post-event scrutineering showed that the rear wheel travel exceeded the regulatory limit of 350 mm.
Following a hearing with the Competitor’s representatives, the Stewards issued Decision No. 6, finding the car in breach of the applicable Technical Regulations and imposing a suspended Disqualification from the competition.
On 31 July 2025, Nasser Racing Team lodged an appeal against the Stewards’ Decision before the ICA.
When
09:30 hrs
Wednesday, 29 October 2025
Where
FIA – 8 place de la Concorde – 75008 Paris (Salle du Comité, 5th floor).
Decision
The decision will be published as soon as possible after the hearing.
Accreditation
Requests for accreditation must be sent by email to the FIA Press Office (sgomez@fia.com) on the official letterhead paper of the publication or other medium requesting accreditation, no later than Monday 27 October 2025 at noon (French time).
The accreditation request must be signed by the Chief Editor or the Head of a Department (specify which) of the relevant publication, or medium.
The accreditation request must include the following:
i) the hearing and the date for which the accreditation is requested;
ii) name of the journalist and photocopy of their professional press card (currently valid);
iii) email address to which the FIA can send an answer.
- FIA World Bajas Cup
- FIA European Bajas Cup
ICAInternational Court of AppealSEASON 2025SportCross-Country1SportFIA World Bajas CupFIA European Bajas CupCross-CountryInternational Court of AppealSEASON 2025ICA00Friday, October 24, 2025 - 5:28pmFriday, October 24, 2025 - 5:28pm
Qatar to host MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup in celebration of regional grassroots motor sport

Members news
The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) is set to bring the region’s karting scene into the spotlight once again as it hosts the 2025 MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup this week. As one of the world’s largest regional karting events, emerging drivers from across the MENA region will assemble at the Lusail Karting Circuit in a display and celebration of the next generation of global motor sport.
The third edition to be held in Qatar, this year’s championship has an increased starting list with 173 drivers from 18 nations across the Middle East and North Africa. Countries represented include Qatar, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Iran, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
The Championship Nations Cup offers a range of karting categories to allow drivers at different stages of their early racing careers to prove themselves around the twists and turns of the Lusail Circuit. Six Rotax Max Challenge categories for drivers aged 8 and over offer traditional karting competition whilst the R390 Sprint and R390 Endurance categories (ages 15+) provide a range of karting disciplines on the schedule.
The 2024 MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup saw Lebanon clinch the MENA Nations Cup title ahead of Morocco which finished second and the UAE which ended in third place. With the bar set high in 2024, this year’s championship is poised to deliver another thrilling weekend of racing which celebrates both personal achievement and national pride.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President and Nations Cup Founder, said:
“With growing numbers of participating countries, this year’s MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup represents the development of motor sport and new opportunities for karting talent across our region.
“My congratulations and thanks to QMMF and President Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai for hosting this milestone event.
“Good luck to all competitors, volunteers, staff and officials. Your passion, dedication and teamwork allow this competition to thrive on the global stage.”
Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of QMMF and Lusail International Circuit, said:
"We are proud to once again host the MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup, providing a platform for young drivers from across the region to develop their skills and passion for motorsport.
We extend our gratitude to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem for his continued support and vision in promoting motor sport development.
This championship is not only in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 but also highlights our ongoing commitment to support the growth of motor sport from the grassroots level, helping the next generation of talent reach their full potential.
We wish all competitors, teams, and officials every success throughout the championship and thank marshals for their commitment and hard work."
Spectators are set to enjoy the highly competitive championship in person at the circuit whilst fans across the world will be able to watch all of the racing action LIVE and FREE on the QMMF YouTube channel.
Members FIA Members1MembersFIAMembers00Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - 1:02pmTuesday, October 21, 2025 - 1:02pm

2026 FIA Sporting calendars as approved by the World Motor Sport Council

FIA news

FIA Formula 1 World Championship

Approved by WMSC on 10 June 2025
Date change approved by WMSC on 30 July 2025

Date	Country	Grand Prix
06-08 March	Australia	Grand Prix of Australia
13-15 March	China	Grand Prix of China
27-29 March	Japan	Grand Prix of Japan
10-12 April	Bahrain	Grand Prix of Bahrain
17-19 April	Saudi Arabia	Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia
01-03 May	United States	Grand Prix of Miami
22-24 May	Canada	Grand Prix of Canada
05-07 June	Monaco	Grand Prix of Monaco
12-14 June	Spain	Grand Prix of Barcelona-Catalunya
26-28 June	Austria	Grand Prix of Austria
03-05 July	United Kingdom	Grand Prix of United Kingdom
17-19 July	Belgium	Grand Prix of Belgium
24-26 July	Hungary	Grand Prix of Hungary
21-23 August	Netherlands	Grand Prix of Netherlands
04-06 September	Italy	Grand Prix of Italy
11-13 September	Spain	Grand Prix of Madrid**
24-26 September	Azerbaijan	Grand Prix of Azerbaijan
09-11 October	Singapore	Grand Prix of Singapore
23-25 October	United States	Grand Prix of the USA (Austin)
30 Oct-01 November	Mexico	Grand Prix of Mexico
06-08 November	Brazil	Grand Prix of Brazil
19-21 November	United States	Grand Prix of Las Vegas
27-29 November	Qatar	Grand Prix of Qatar
04-06 December	United Arab Emirates	Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi

FIA Formula 2 Championship

Approved by WMSC on 10 June 2025
Date change approved by WMSC on 30 July 2025

Date	Country	Circuit
06-08 March	Australia	Melbourne
10-12 April	Bahrain	Sakhir
17-19 April	Saudi Arabia	Jeddah
04-07 June	Monaco	Monte Carlo
12-14 June	Spain	Barcelona-Catalunya
26-28 June	Austria	Spielberg
03-05 July	United Kingdom	Silverstone
17-19 July	Belgium	Spa-Francorchamps
24-26 July	Hungary	Budapest
04-06 September	Italy	Monza
11-13 September	Spain	Madrid**
24-26 September	Azerbaijan	Baku
27-29 November	Qatar	Lusail
04-06 December	United Arab Emirates	Yas Marina

FIA Formula 3 Championship

Approved by WMSC on 10 June 2025

Date	Country	Circuit
06-08 March	Australia	Melbourne
10-12 April	Bahrain	Sakhir
04-07 June	Monaco	Monte Carlo
12-14 June	Spain	Barcelona-Catalunya
26-28 June	Austria	Spielberg
03-05 July	United Kingdom	Silverstone
17-19 July	Belgium	Spa-Francorchamps
24-26 July	Hungary	Budapest
04-06 September	Italy	Monza
11-13 September	Spain	Madrid**

ABB FIA Formula E World Championship - 2025-2026

Approved by WMSC on 10 June 2025
Date change approved by WMSC on 16 October 2025

Date	Country	Circuit/City
06 December 2025	Brazil	São Paulo
10 January 2026	Mexico	Mexico City
30 January 2026	United States	Miami (Rookie Free Practice)
31 January 2026	United States	Miami
13 February 2026	Saudi Arabia	Jeddah
14 February 2026	Saudi Arabia	Jeddah
21 March 2026	Spain	Madrid
22 March 2026	Spain	Madrid (Rookie Test)
02 May 2026	Germany	Berlin
03 May 2026	Germany	Berlin
16 May 2026	Monaco	Monaco
17 May 2026	Monaco	Monaco
20 June 2026	China	Sanya
04 July 2026	China	Shanghai
05 July 2026	China	Shanghai
25 July 2026	Japan	Tokyo
26 July 2026	Japan	Tokyo
15 August 2026	United Kingdom	London
16 August 2026	United Kingdom	London

FIA World Endurance Championship

Approved by WMSC on 10 June 2025

Date	Country	Event
22-23 March	Qatar	Official Prologue - Qatar
28 March	Qatar	Qatar 1812 km
19 April	Italy	6 Hours of Imola
09 May	Belgium	6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps
13-14 June	France	24 Hours of Le Mans
12 July	Brazil	6 Hours of São Paulo
06 September	United States	Lone Star Le Mans
27 September	Japan	6 Hours of Fuji
07 November	Bahrain	8 Hours of Bahrain

FIA World Rally Championship

Approved by WMSC on 30 July 2025

Date	Country	Rally
25 January	Monaco	Rally Monte Carlo
15 February	Sweden	Rally Sweden
15 March	Kenya	Rally Kenya
12 April	Croatia	Rally Croatia
26 April	Spain	Rally Spain
10 May	Portugal	Rally Portugal
31 May	Japan	Rally Japan
28 June	Greece	Rally Greece
19 July	Estonia	Rally Estonia
02 August	Finland	Rally Finland
30 August	Paraguay	Rally Paraguay
13 September	Chile	Rally Chile
04 October	Italy	Rally Italy
15 November	Saudi Arabia	Rally Saudi Arabia

FIA European Rally Championship