Almansoori Takes BTCC Double in Sakhir

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), the Home of Motorsport in the Middle East, hosted the fifth round of the 2025/2026 National Race Day season over the weekend, featuring thrilling action from the Bahrain Touring Car Challenge (BTCC) and the Bahrain Motorcycle Championship (BMC).

Ali Almansoori continued his dominant run in the BTCC, securing victories in both races to maintain his perfect record this season. Meanwhile, Saeed Al Sulaiti and Marcos Ludena claimed wins in their respective classes in the BMC.

The event was organised by BIC in cooperation with the Bahrain Motor Federation, the Circuit Racing Commission, and the Bahrain Motorcycle Commission. All races were held on the circuit’s 2.554-kilometre Inner Track, producing intense wheel-to-wheel and bumper-to-bumper battles throughout the weekend.

Having already won all eight BTCC races prior to the round, Almansoori entered as the clear favourite and lived up to expectations. Driving his Honda Civic, he topped free practice, secured pole position in qualifying, and went on to win the opening 15-lap race in 19:52.375. He finished 2.250 seconds ahead of Moaaz Elzahrawi, with Ahmed Bajnaid taking third place. Both Elzahrawi and Bajnaid were also driving Honda Civics.

Race two saw Almansoori start from fifth on the grid, with James Taylor on pole in an Acura RSX DC5. Despite the challenge, Almansoori charged through the field to claim victory once again, finishing in 20:06.406. Elzahrawi followed in second, 4.308 seconds behind, while Taylor completed the podium in third.

In the Bahrain Motorcycle Championship, Al Sulaiti led the 1,000cc category during free practice aboard his BMW 1000RR, while Mohamad Alzaidan topped the 600cc class on a Kawasaki ZX6. Both riders secured pole positions in qualifying ahead of the 14-lap race.

Al Sulaiti went on to win the 1,000cc race in 15:39.716, finishing 41.238 seconds ahead of Fahad Al Gharabally on a Suzuki GSXR, with Hassan Al Awadhi on a Ducati V2 finishing third. In the 600cc category, Ludena claimed victory in 16:08.954, followed by Abdulrahman Ahmed and Faisal Bader, both riding Honda CBR600RR machines.

The 2025/2026 National Race Day season features seven rounds in total. The sixth and penultimate round is scheduled for 13 March, ahead of the season finale on 24 April.

For more information on National Race Day and other events at Bahrain International Circuit, visit the official website or follow BIC’s social media channels.