The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) has officially announced the postponement of the Qatar 1812km, originally scheduled as the 2026 season opener. Citing the evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East, organizers confirmed on Tuesday that the campaign will now begin in Italy next month.
The decision comes after weeks of rigorous assessment by the FIA and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO). With the safety of competitors, fans, and personnel cited as the absolute priority, the event—previously set for March 26–28—will be moved to the second half of the season.
Shift to Europe
As a result of the delay, the 6 Hours of Imola will now serve as the inaugural round of the 2026 championship. The race is scheduled to take place at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari from April 17–19.
“The safety and wellbeing of our community will always be the FIA’s first priority,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “I thank the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and the Lusail International Circuit for their collaborative approach. We will work closely with all involved to reschedule the race for later in the year.”
Impact on the Prologue
The pre-season Prologue, which was slated for March 22–23 at the Lusail International Circuit, has also been called off. WEC management is currently evaluating alternatives for the testing sessions, though no official replacement has been confirmed.
A Secondary Concern
ACO President Pierre Fillon emphasized that while the sporting impact is significant, the humanitarian context remains the primary focus.
“At times like these, sporting interests are clearly secondary,” Fillon stated. “We are working hard to find the best alternative to allow the Qatar 1812km to take place at a later date, and we thank all parties for their understanding.”
WEC CEO Frédéric Lequien confirmed that while a specific date for the rescheduled Qatar round is still being finalized, it is guaranteed to take place during the latter half of the 2026 campaign.