With 16 successful seasons of racing to its credit, the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East remains one of the most popular of the 12 global Carrera Cup championships racing around the world. For the 2025/26 season, the action begins in Bahrain.
Pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit will start the season on 1-2 November 2025. The first round of the championship will then be held in support of the FIA World Endurance Championship season finale in Bahrain on 6-8 November 2025.
In a familiar sight for motorsport fans, Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East will also be the major support event for the Formula 1 Grands Prix in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
A total of six official test days are included on the 2025/26 season calendar. In season two-day tests prior to the Dubai and Abu Dhabi rounds ensure teams and drivers maximum preparation time in their Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (type 992.1) race cars.
Every car will be equipped with ABS and Traction Control for the first time, ensuring maximum performance and racing action.
Drivers will compete across four classes – Pro, Pro-Am, Masters & GCC – to encourage a diverse mix of drivers and teams. First season drivers will also compete for Rookie of the Year.
50 Years of Lechner Racing
“Everyone at Lechner Racing is very excited ahead of the upcoming Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East season, as 2025 is the year we celebrate 50 years of Lechner Racing,” said series promoter, Robert Lechner.
“Of all the areas of our business, originally started by our father half a century ago, this championship is one that gives us great pride and satisfaction.
“This series is an ideal platform for drivers looking to make a name for themselves on the international stage, by getting a head start on their European, Asian or American seasons by racing first in the Middle East during the winter months.”
Established in 2009 as the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, the racing series was upgraded to the Porsche Sprint Challenge before being promoted to fully-fledged Carrera Cup status for the 2023/24 season.
Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East 2025/26 calendar
| Round | Date | Circuit | Country |
| Testing | 1-2 Nov 2025 | Bahrain International Circuit | Bahrain |
| Round 1 | 6-8 Nov 2025 | Bahrain International Circuit (WEC) | Bahrain |
| Round 2 | 28-30 Nov 2025 | Lusail International Circuit (F1) | Qatar |
| Testing | 22-23 Jan 2026 | Dubai Autodrome | UAE |
| Round 3 | 24-25 Jan 2026 | Dubai Autodrome | UAE |
| Testing | 29-30 Jan 2026 | Yas Marina Circuit | UAE |
| Round 4 | 31 Jan - 1 Feb 2026 | Yas Marina Circuit | UAE |
| Round 5 | 10-12 April 2026 | Bahrain International Circuit (F1) | Bahrain |
| Round 6 | 17-19 April 2026 | Jeddah Corniche Circuit (F1) | Saudi Arabia |
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