The Bahrain International Circuit, nestled in the Sakhir desert, is not only one of the most captivating destinations on the FIA WEC calendar. Over just a little more than a decade, it has become a symbolic stage for Ferrari’s triumphs in modern endurance racing. Here, where day gives way to night under the warm glow of track lights, the Prancing Horse has built a winning tradition defined by memorable performances, flawless strategies, and a consistency that has cemented the reputation of Maranello’s GT cars as global benchmarks.
Eight class victories
From 2012 to 2024, Ferrari has secured eight class victories at Bahrain, triumphing with different models and generations of drivers capable of perfectly interpreting the endurance philosophy: speed, management, and teamwork. The first victory came in 2012 when the AF Corse 458 Italia GTE, driven by Toni Vilander and Gianmaria Bruni, won the 6 Hours of Bahrain in the LMGTE Pro class. This victory was symbolically significant, marking the beginning of a new era. The 458 Italia GTE was an endurance-focused car, balanced and robust, combining the power of a naturally aspirated V8 with driving precision that rivals of the time, including Aston Martin and Porsche, struggled to match.
In the following years, the Ferrari 488 GTE took over, consolidating the brand’s supremacy even during regulatory transitions in the championship. The Sakhir track, with its 5.4 kilometers of technical corners and long straights, has always favored cars that manage tire wear and fuel consumption efficiently—two areas where Maranello’s GT cars have often found the key to success.
The latest editions
The latest chapter in this story was written in 2024 with the victory of the Vista AF Corse 296 LMGT3, driven by Alessio Rovera, Simon Mann, and François Heriau. This mixed crew of experience, youth, and consistency brought Ferrari back to the top step of the podium after an impeccable race, defined by a steady pace and perfect traffic management. For Rovera, an official Ferrari driver and a regular contender in previous WEC editions, the Bahrain victory confirmed the strength of the new-generation GT3 project, capable of competing against increasingly qualified rivals.
The 296 LMGT3 represents the latest evolution of Ferrari’s endurance racing tradition. Equipped with a 3-liter twin-turbo V6 derived from the 296 GTB road car and a completely revised aerodynamic package, the car is designed to fully exploit GT3 regulations, effectively succeeding the legendary 488 GTE. Its victory in Bahrain is a strong statement: Ferrari’s winning DNA is preserved and renewed through technology and a forward-looking vision.
Not everything, however, has been smooth. In 2023, the year Ferrari officially returned to the top endurance class with the 499P Hypercar, the factory cars finished eleventh and fourteenth in Bahrain, respectively with crews #50 and #51. While this was less spectacular in terms of podiums, it was still part of a development path that brought Ferrari back to the top of world endurance racing, culminating in the historic overall win at Le Mans.
More than just statistics
Looking back, the eight class victories over twelve years at Bahrain tell a story that goes far beyond simple sports statistics. They reveal a technical and emotional bond with a unique track, one that highlights the strengths of Maranello’s GT cars and the professionalism of the teams behind them.
From the 458 Italia GTE to the 296 LMGT3, via the 488 GTE, Ferrari has traversed an entire era of world endurance racing, maintaining the competitive spirit that has always defined it. In the Sakhir desert, where the roar of engines blends with the silence of the night, the Prancing Horse has found a second “home circuit”—a place where history continues to be written, corner by corner, victory by victory.
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