WEC Qatar 1812km Postponed, Imola to Host Season Opener

The opening round of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) has been postponed, shifting the season start from Qatar to Italy. The Qatar 1812km, originally scheduled for March 26-28, will now take place later in the year, with a new date to be announced. The season will now commence with the 6 Hours of Imola, scheduled for April 17-19 in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.

Geopolitical Situation Prompts Postponement

The decision to postpone the Qatar race was made in light of the evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East. FIA WEC management has been in constant dialogue with the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) to prioritize the safety and security of all involved – competitors, personnel, and fans.

“The safety and wellbeing of our community will always be the FIA’s first priority,” stated Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). “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.”

Collaboration and Rescheduling Efforts

The postponement follows discussions between FIA WEC management, the QMMF, and Lusail International Circuit (LIC). A revised date for the Qatar 1812km within the second half of the 2026 season is currently being finalized.

Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit, affirmed their support for the decision: “We thank our fans, teams and partners for their understanding and continued support, and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Lusail International Circuit.”

Importance of Qatar Race Recognized

Despite the postponement, the significance of the Qatar 1812km within the WEC calendar was emphasized by Frédéric Lequien, CEO of the FIA World Endurance Championship. “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.” Lequien confirmed that the race will be rescheduled and further details will be provided soon.

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), acknowledged the tricky circumstances, stating, “I must stress that our primary thoughts are with the victims of this terrible conflict. At times like these, sporting interests are clearly secondary.”

Looking Ahead to Imola

With the Qatar race postponed, the focus now shifts to the 6 Hours of Imola, which will serve as the official start to the 2026 FIA WEC season.