How will the geopolitical situation in the Middle East affect the WEC?

The Qatar 1812km, which had been scheduled to open the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship on 26–28 March, has been postponed to later in the year due to the evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East.

After extensive discussions between FIA WEC management and the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), organisers concluded that the safety of competitors, team personnel, and spectators could not be guaranteed at this time. As a result, the championship will now begin with the 6 Hours of Imola in Italy on 17–19 April.

The FIA explained that the decision followed continuous monitoring of regional developments and close coordination with QMMF and the Lusail International Circuit, where the race is held. A new date for the Qatar round will be confirmed once it can be safely staged, with organisers indicating that it will take place in the second half of the 2026 season.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasised that the wellbeing of the motorsport community remains the organisation’s highest priority.

He stated that “the safety and wellbeing of our community will always be the FIA’s first priority,” adding that the FIA is grateful for the “measured and collaborative approach” shown by QMMF, Lusail International Circuit, the ACO, and WEC officials.

Sulayem also noted that the Qatar race “holds a special place for many fans, drivers and teams alike,” and confirmed that the FIA will work with all parties to reschedule it later in the year.

QMMF and Lusail International Circuit President Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai expressed full support for the postponement, explaining that the decision was reached after “in‑depth discussions with the FIA World Endurance Championship and all relevant stakeholders.”

He thanked fans, teams, and partners for their understanding and said that Qatar looks forward to welcoming the WEC back when conditions allow.

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), stressed that the humanitarian situation in the region made the postponement unavoidable. He said that “sporting interests are clearly secondary” in such circumstances and confirmed that the ACO is working closely with QMMF and Lusail to identify the best alternative date for the race later in 2026.

WEC CEO Frédéric Lequien described the Qatar 1812km as “an integral part of the FIA WEC calendar” and thanked QMMF and Lusail for their cooperation. He explained that all parties have been “working hand‑in‑hand since Saturday morning” to find the best solution and confirmed that the revised date will fall in the second half of the season. More details will be announced once discussions are finalised.

With Qatar postponed, the 6 Hours of Imola in the Emilia‑Romagna region will now serve as the opening round of the 2026 championship. The shift gives teams additional preparation time and places the early focus of the season on a European venue rather than the Middle Eastern night race that has become a familiar curtain‑raiser.