Manama : BIC AFM operates as part of ASPIRE, an Advanced Technology Research Council company, which also runs A2RL, Abu Dhabi’s Autonomous Racing League. Together, these initiatives reflect a shared focus on performance, innovation, and the advancement of motorsport and mobility technologies in the region.
AFM hosted a landmark test at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), welcoming two-time Formula One World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi and his son Emmo Fittipaldi as part of its expanding single-seater testing programme in the Gulf region.
The test underlined AFM’s role in delivering professional, structured single seater running across the GCC, utilising current Formula One venues to support driver development with meaningful track time outside of the competitive season.
Running on the Bahrain Grand Prix layout, the programme brought together two generations of elite driving talent on one of the world’s most technically demanding circuits. For Emerson Fittipaldi, the test offered an opportunity to experience first-hand the evolution of single-seater performance and motorsport engineering.
Alongside him, Emmo Fittipaldi focused on preparation ahead of his 2026 campaign in Formula 2 with AIX Racing.
AFM’s Bahrain test also formed part of a wider programme supporting drivers competing across the international single-seater ladder. The team has been working closely with MP Motorsport and rising Italian talent Mattia Colnaghi, who is backed by the Red Bull Junior Team. The programme provides valuable preparation time on Formula One circuits that feature prominently on the global calendar, reinforcing the importance of structured testing in modern driver development.
BIC Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said: “We are pleased to host AFM’s single seater testing programme and welcome drivers from across the international racing ladder to Bahrain. The circuit is designed to support high-level testing and development, and initiatives like this reinforce Bahrain’s position as a key motorsport hub in the region.”
Josh Roles, AFM Team Manager, said: “Our focus is on delivering high-quality single-seater testing at the most relevant circuits in the region. By operating across Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah and Qatar, we’re able to offer drivers valuable preparation on tracks that play a major role in modern motorsport. Combined with our team of highly experienced former Formula One engineers and mechanics, it creates a professional environment for genuine driver development.”
Emerson Fittipaldi said: “Testing on a modern Formula One circuit like Bahrain really highlights how far the cars and the sport have developed. The performance, the systems, and the overall approach are very different, and it’s fascinating to experience that evolution on track.”
Emmo Fittipaldi said: “This kind of out-of-season testing is extremely important. Being able to run at circuits like Bahrain with a professional team gives you a strong foundation going into the season, especially when these tracks are part of the championship calendar.”
Mattia Colnaghi said: “Testing in Bahrain with AFM is a great opportunity. These are circuits you race on at the highest level, so being able to learn the layout, conditions and work closely with engineers outside of a race weekend in a well-structured environment is incredibly valuable for development.”
AFM continues to strengthen the GCC’s position as a premier destination for single-seater testing, combining world-class facilities with experienced personnel to support drivers at every stage of their careers.
