BRP-Rotax: Aircraft Meets Racetrack – Luke Czepiela Flies the Racing Line at Bahrain International Circuit
10.2.2026 17:00:00 CET | news aktuell GmbH | Press Release
BRP‑Rotax unveils its latest milestone in aviation with Aircraft Meets Racetrack. In an unprecedented accomplishment for the Bahrain International Circuit, Red Bull athlete and Rotax Ambassador Luke Czepiela became the first pilot to fly this Grand Prix track’s complete racing line from the air, showcasing the capabilities of Rotax powered aviation in a dramatic low‑level performance.

low‑level performance.
Gunskirchen, Austria – February 10, 2026 – In a demonstration of precision aviation, Luke Czepiela traced the full ideal line of the Bahrain International Circuit at low level, including short takeoffs and landings (STOL) on the start/finish straight. The achievement is documented in the short film Aircraft Meets Racetrack, the first project to emerge from BRP-Rotax’s Brand Ambassador partnership with Luke Czepiela, launched in 2025. The short film premiered during the Bahrain International Circuit’s official F1 pre‑season press conference today.
When Racing Meets Aviation
The project transfers what racing drivers follow on the ground with high precision accuracy into the sky. The circuit’s racing line becomes an aerial flight path, demanding exceptionally tight tolerances, high and low speeds, and uncompromising line discipline. Conducting the maneuver required extreme precision. Low altitude, shifting wind conditions, more than 495 light poles, and the narrow, enclosed layout of the Grand Prix track created an environment with virtually no margin for error.
“Flying a racing line from the air demands absolute control at low altitude and instant reaction in every phase,” said Czepiela, Rotax Brand Ambassador. “It is precision flying in its purest form.”
The flight was performed in a CubCrafters Carbon Cub UL equipped with the 160‑hp Rotax 916 iS engine. The aircraft’s lightweight STOL design, immediate throttle response, and exceptional power‑to‑weight ratio made the aerial replication of the racing line possible.
Production took place during the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals in Bahrain – marking the first time all project partners collaborated on‑site. Working closely with the Bahrain International Circuit, Red Bull Bahrain, and local authorities, the team implemented a comprehensive safety and operations plan. The track and airspace were fully closed to ensure uninterrupted filming, supported by constant air traffic coordination and emergency services on-site.
“With Luke Czepiela, we aimed to create something that authentically unites our two passions: racing and aviation,” said Peter Ölsinger, General Manager of BRP‑Rotax and Vice-President Sales, Marketing RPS‑Business & Communications. “This project represents technical precision, long‑standing partnerships, and the courage to pursue new creative paths.”
The film not only showcases a great achievement it underscores Rotax’s mission to connect disciplines, push boundaries, and deliver high‑performance experiences on the ground and in the air.
Contacts
gerrit.zinnhobler@brp.com
Images
Links
Subscribe to releases from news aktuell GmbH
Subscribe to all the latest releases from news aktuell GmbH by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from news aktuell GmbH
Grünenthal licenses exclusive Canadian rights to testosterone replacement therapy Nebido® to Apotex5.2.2026 16:03:03 CET | Press Release
Aachen, Germany & Toronto, Canada, February 5, 2026 – Grünenthal, a global leader in pain management and related diseases, and Apotex Inc. ("Apotex"), the largest Canadian-based pharmaceutical company, today announced they have entered into a licensing agreement whereby Apotex will have the exclusive Canadian rights to Nebido® (testosterone undecanoate), a long-acting injectable therapy indicated for the treatment of male hypogonadism (testosterone deficiency).[1] [1] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/14631/smpc
HEIDELBERG achieves significant improvement in profitability after nine months of FY 2025/26 – strategic realignment proceeding as planned5.2.2026 08:02:33 CET | Press Release
Sales after nine months up on previous year, increasing by some 6.1 percent Adjusted EBITDA considerably better than in previous year – efficiency measures having a clear impact Incoming orders down on previous year, as expected, due to underlying economic conditions and absence of drupa effect Successful positioning in security, defense, and energy technologies Full-year forecast confirmed despite challenging environment
Between autonomy and alliance: Akkodis and POLITICO convene decision-makers for the future of AI made in Europe5.2.2026 07:56:35 CET | Press Release
First European Innovation & Tech Summit gathers leading technology experts from politics, industry and research in Brussels, focusing on AI as a bridge between human thinking and machine precision.
Daimler Buses teams up with FEV to launch the first hydrogen-powered Setra demonstrator vehicle4.2.2026 11:30:00 CET | Press Release
Aachen, FEV has teamed up with Daimler Buses to create the first coach with a hydrogen fuel cell drive system. The starting point for the “H₂ Coach” technology demonstrator, which is intended for testing purposes, was a conventional Setra coach. This marks an important step toward locally emission-free long-distance travel: short refueling times, ranges of at least 800 kilometers per tank filling, and quiet operation underscore its practicality.
Finalists and Semifinalists for $1 Million Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge announced3.2.2026 11:47:44 CET | Press Release
Bonn, Germany – February 03, 2026 – The Seed Grant Finalists and Growth Grant and Seeding the Future Grand Prize Semifinalists of the 5th annual Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge (GFSC) have been announced, marking a key milestone in the USD 1 million global Challenge supporting impactful and innovative solutions to transform food systems.
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom