The first round of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the Qatar 1812km race originally planned for late March at the Lusail International Circuit, has been postponed indefinitely amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region. This decision prioritizes the safety of competitors, staff, and fans as missile strikes from Iran target several Gulf countries, including Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
FIA Collaborates with Local Organizers on New Schedule
The FIA has been in continuous discussions with the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and the Lusail International Circuit to find an alternative date for the event. The governing body emphasized that the postponement ensures the security of everyone involved. The race, initially set for March 26-28, will now be rescheduled during the latter part of the 2026 WEC calendar.
FIA WEC management has been in constant dialogue with the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) in light of the current and evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East,
the FIA stated.
With the safety and security of competitors, personnel and fans of the utmost importance, the decision has been taken to delay the event that had been due to take place on 26-28 March.
Following further discussions with our colleagues at Lusail International Circuit (LIC), where the race is held, a new date for the Qatar 1812km during the second half of the campaign will be finalised and communicated in due course.
The first round of the season will consequently now be the 6 Hours of Imola in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy on 17-19 April.
FIA Leadership Responds to Regional Unrest
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem addressed the conflict, underscoring the importance of safety in decision-making for upcoming motorsport events in the region. The postponement reflects a shared commitment among FIA officials, QMMF, Lusail International Circuit management, and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) to protect the racing community during uncertain times.
Safety and well-being will guide our decisions as we assess the forthcoming events scheduled there for the FIA World Endurance Championship and the FIA Formula One World Championship.
?Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President
Ben Sulayem further expressed gratitude for the cooperative efforts that led to the postponement, emphasizing the Qatar 1812km’s significance for fans, teams, and drivers, and pledged ongoing collaboration to reschedule the race.
The FIA continues to monitor developments across the region and our thoughts remain with all those affected by these recent events as we hope for calm, safety and a return to stability.
?Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President
Race Organizers Confirm Plans to Reschedule Event
Frederic Lequien, CEO of the World Endurance Championship, affirmed the importance of the Qatar 1812km on the FIA WEC calendar and thanked local partners for their cooperation in addressing the situation. He confirmed that preparations are underway to select a new date for the race in the second half of 2026.
The Qatar 1812km is an integral part of the FIA WEC calendar, and I offer my sincere thanks to Lusail International Circuit and the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation for their close collaboration,
said Lequien.
We have all been working hand-in-hand since Saturday morning to find the best solution for staging the event, and while we still need a few more days to finalise the exact revised date, I can confirm it will be during the second half of the 2026 season. We will provide more information as soon as it is available.
?Frederic Lequien, WEC CEO
Impact of Gulf Conflict on Upcoming Motorsport Events
The postponement affects one of the three high-profile FIA races scheduled in the Middle East during the coming weeks. The Bahrain Grand Prix is set for April 12, and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is scheduled for April 19, both currently still planned to proceed as scheduled. However, rising regional instability, including ongoing missile strikes targeting US military bases and critical infrastructure in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, poses logistical and safety concerns for motorsport authorities.
Missile attacks continue to target Bahrain’s naval base in Juffair, located near the Bahrain International Circuit, while drone strikes have hit the motorway bridge linking Bahrain to Saudi Arabia. Despite these challenges, F1 and FIA officials are closely monitoring the evolving situation to ensure the safety and feasibility of the upcoming races.
Looking Ahead: Monitoring and Future Prospects
The FIA remains vigilant in assessing conditions across the Middle East before confirming any further adjustments to the motorsport calendar. As regional security concerns persist, careful coordination among all stakeholders will be crucial to uphold the safety of participants and fans alike. The rescheduling of the Qatar 1812km underscores the broader impact geopolitical tensions have on international sporting events, emphasizing the need for flexibility and cautious planning in uncertain times.
