The Rotax MAX Challenge International Trophy Asia 2026 was successfully contested on January 20-25 in Macau, where more than 20 nations were represented throughout Australasia, Europe and other regions. In its premier appearance, the demanding 1,203-metre Coloane Kart Circuit provided the ideal venue for the high-profile championship, resulting in the most competitive edition of the event to date. New winners were crowned in seven categories from as many countries, and the first RMC Grand Finals 2026 tickets were awarded. Macau delivered both a historic and memorable week!

Qualifying Practice, Heat Races, and Pre-Finals are now in the books, and the only session that remains of any importance is the Finals on Saturday. With RMC Grand National Championship titles on the line, one of the best days of the year in all of karting happens tomorrow.

It was Qualifying Practice and Heat 1 on the schedule today at the Bahrain International Karting Circuit as a late start would see the first wheel-to-wheel action of the weekend take place under the lights. However, a major delay due to some post-qualifying penalty reviews put a hamper on the day, and select races will be moved to tomorrow, including A vs B and C vs D heat races in Senior MAX, DD2 Master MAX, and DD2 MAX. Despite the delay and some increased tensions across competitions, the on-track racing proved to be incredible, something that the RMC Grand Finals has been accustomed to seeing.

As the track action heated up throughout the day, times dropped as a total of five Non-Qualifying Practice sessions have now concluded for each category. Tomorrow brings a new day, a single Non-Qualifying Practice for each driver before Qualifying Practice sets the grids for the first wheel-to-wheel action of the week. With no delay, Heat 1 for all classes will round out Wednesday's on-track competition, as drivers look forward to the chance to become a Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals Champion later in the week.