The 2026 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Cup marked the official start of the European Rotax Karting season at KartCenter Campillos. The CIK/FIA-homologated circuit once again proved to be a true benchmark, with a demanding layout combining long straights, technical sections and a wide racing surface that rewarded precision, consistency and racecraft.

Prefinals and Finals marked the closing day of the 2026 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Cup at KartCenter Campillos. After the difficult weather conditions of the previous days, the sun returned, delivering spectacular racing across all categories and allowing the first European Rotax champions of the 2026 season to be crowned.

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.

After an unforgettable evening yesterday, the 2025 RMC Grand Finals are now in full swing. We officially opened the event with the traditional Welcome Party in the Formula 1 Paddock of the Bahrain International Circuit, where drivers, mechanics, teams, families, and the entire Rotax crew came together to celebrate the start of this exciting week. With live traditional music, great food, and a fantastic atmosphere, it was the perfect way to kick off the Grand Finals.