WEC forced to postpone season opener due to Middle East conflict

The opening round of the 2026 World Endurance Championship (WEC) in Qatar has been postponed as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Qatar was due to stage the WEC season opener on 26-28 March but the race has been postponed until later in the year following “constant dialogue” with the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) “in light of current and evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East”.

“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,” a WEC statement read.

"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.”

WEC’s pre-season Prologue was set for the week before in Qatar and is likely to have been the deciding factor behind the postponement.

It is the first major motorsport calendar change to be made as a direct result of the US-Israeli war with Iran, which has spread to other regions in the Middle East.

The 6 Hours of Imola on 17-19 April will now be the first round of the forthcoming WEC season.

“The safety and wellbeing of our community will always be the FIA’s first priority, and I thank our Member Club the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation, Lusail International Circuit, the ACO and our championship colleagues for the measured and collaborative approach that has led to this decision,” FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said.

“As the opening event of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Qatar 1812km holds a special place for many fans, drivers and teams alike, and we will work closely with all involved to reschedule the race for later in the 2026 season.

“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.”

Frederic Lequien, CEO of the FIA WEC, said: “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.

“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.”

Qatar is due to host MotoGP on 10-12 April, with F1 visiting the country at the end of November.

Question marks have also been raised about whether F1’s Middle East double header in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will be able to go ahead as planned in April.