After the positive response of the Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Cup in Campillos earlier in January, attention now turns to the opening round of the 2026 Rotax MAX Challenge Euro Trophy, where a highly competitive field of around 200 drivers is expected to line up for the first major RMC Euro Trophy event of the season.

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!

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.

The first champions of the 2025 season will be crowned this weekend at the brand-new Leopard Circuit in Viterbo. Located one hour from Italy’s capital, Rome, the circuit will host the final act of the Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series. The 1300-meter-long track has 16 corners (10 right-handers, 6 left-handers) and two straights of 170 meters.