34 August 2012 BTM happeningsthismonth The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) is all geared up to host one of the most unique and exciting events of the year. The ‘Six Hours of Bahrain’ endurance race is a first-of-its-kind event here in the Kingdom and will see some of the biggest names in motorsport participating on the BIC track. As part of the 2012 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the new festival of racing will be a great way to end the summer season. The calendar sees eight rounds held in eight different countries across four continents, with Bahrain hosting the season’s sixth meeting and the only WEC event taking place in the Middle East. “The endurance race will mark another first for the Kingdom of Bahrain and for BIC. This category of motorsport has a very rich history; its very essence has been derived from the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France, which is also a part of the WEC,” says BIC chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa. The race is scheduled to flag off at 4pm and end at 10pm, giving Bahraini race fans a fresh and captivating spectacle of night racing to enjoy. No less than 32 cars will be lining up for the event, battling it out in four different competition categories. Some of the cars used in the event are not your typical road vehicles but special breeds used specifically for this category of motorsport. The Le Mans Prototype 1 and 2 are the fastest closed-wheel cars in circuit racing today, and they can reach maximum speeds even higher than F1 cars. Fans will be pleased to see some familiar faces getting in the driver’s seat of some of the challengers, as some ex-F1 stars are signed up for the endurance series. Top international teams from around the world will be represented in all of the classes including car manufacturers such as Audi, Toyota, Nissan, Ferrari and Aston Martin. To ensure the event is family-friendly, the weekend will feature plenty of other attractions other than the WEC. There will be support series featuring some of the Kingdom’s top local championships as well as plenty of off -track entertainment. Expect to be treated to live music, games, carnival rides, food and beverage stalls and souvenir shops. E Call 17 450-000. The Bahrain International Circuit hosts a brand new series in September with the advent of professional endurance racing in the Kingdom. Endurance Test BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT When? September 28-29 | Event? Endurance race | Venue? BIC
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