The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) will conclude its 2026 season with races in Barcelona and Monza after ongoing regional developments forced organisers to cancel the planned Qatar and Bahrain rounds.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will host the inaugural 6 Hours of Barcelona from 16–18 October. Three weeks later, the Autodromo Nazionale Monza will stage the 6 Hours of Monza from 6–8 November and decide the increasingly competitive Hypercar and LMGT3 championship battles.
The revised calendar gives Spain its first FIA WEC event and returns the championship to Monza after a three-year absence. Meanwhile, organisers have acted early enough to allow manufacturers, teams and championship personnel to revise their freight and travel arrangements.
Revised 2026 season calendar 🗓️
— FIA World Endurance Championship (@FIAWEC) July 28, 2026
The final two rounds will now be held in Barcelona (16-18 October) and Monza (6-8 November).#WEC pic.twitter.com/0QhHJwfzUu
Regional developments force FIA WEC to change course
FIA WEC originally planned to conclude the season at Lusail International Circuit and Bahrain International Circuit. However, regional developments increasingly affected freight and travel arrangements. Although championship organisers initially remained optimistic about preserving both events, they ultimately adopted an alternative European schedule.
FIA WEC CEO Frédéric Lequien explained why the championship needed to make the decision several months before the planned races.
“We have been closely monitoring developments in the Middle East over recent months. A few weeks ago, we were optimistic about being able to race in Qatar and Bahrain, but unfortunately, the present situation obliges us to switch to an alternative plan.
“We have duly resolved to replace those two end-of-season rounds with Barcelona and Monza. Logistically, it was imperative to take this decision now to allow manufacturers, teams and the FIA WEC organisation to make all necessary arrangements.
“I would like to warmly thank Qatar and Bahrain for their understanding in these times. We have been in constant dialogue with both tracks and their national federations, and are proud of the close, long-standing relationships we have built in the Middle East. They are hugely important and well-established events in FIA WEC, and will remain so for many years to come.”
Consequently, the championship preserved the number of rounds on its 2026 calendar while avoiding further uncertainty over the autumn events.
Moreover, selecting two European circuits simplifies the revised freight operation and gives teams time to redirect personnel and equipment.
FIA places safety above original calendar
The FIA worked alongside FIA WEC, the ACO, the affected national federations and both Middle Eastern circuits to explore whether the races could proceed. Nevertheless, the governing body ultimately prioritised the wellbeing of competitors, officials, personnel and supporters.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem thanked the parties that helped secure the replacement events while stressing the reasons behind the decision.
“I am incredibly proud of the collaboration that will enable Barcelona and Monza to host FIA World Endurance Championship rounds later this year. The FIA has worked closely with our partners in Qatar and Bahrain in recent months to explore every option to preserve both events this season, but due to the ongoing situation in the region, the safety of our teams, colleagues and motorsport fans remains our highest priority. These are never easy decisions, but protecting the wellbeing of our motorsport community will always come first.
“My thanks to all of our Member Clubs who have helped to make these updates possible, Lusail International Circuit, Bahrain International Circuit and our championship colleagues whose partnership and support throughout this process reflects the very best of our sport. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the situation in the region, and we look forward to returning when circumstances allow.”
Therefore, the revised schedule reflects both an operational requirement and a broader safety decision. At the same time, FIA WEC has reiterated that Qatar and Bahrain remain important long-term partners.
ACO commits to Qatar and Bahrain WEC return in 2027 with Barcelona and Monza substituting in 2026
The ACO monitored the regional situation alongside FIA WEC and maintained regular discussions with the circuits, promoters and national federations. ACO President Pierre Fillon expressed disappointment over the cancellations. However, he also confirmed the organisation’s intention to return to both venues in 2027.
“We are navigating an exceptionally complex period in the Middle East. Together with Frédéric Lequien, we have been monitoring developments on a daily basis and working closely and transparently with all stakeholders to identify the best possible solution.
“The ACO has built strong and lasting relationships with governments, motorsport federations, promoters and partners across the Middle East. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our colleagues in Qatar and Bahrain for their remarkable commitment and for the considerable efforts they have made over recent weeks in an attempt to preserve these two events.
“We are deeply disappointed that we will not be able to race in Qatar and Bahrain this year. These countries have become important members of the FIA World Endurance Championship family, and I want to be very clear – we are fully committed to returning to both venues in 2027 as scheduled. We already look forward to being reunited with our partners and fans there.
“In the meantime, I would also like to thank Barcelona and Monza for their responsiveness and for welcoming the World Championship at such short notice. I have no doubt that both circuits will provide an outstanding stage for endurance racing.”
The cancellation therefore affects only the 2026 events under the championship’s current plans. Furthermore, the ACO’s commitment gives Qatar and Bahrain a clear place in FIA WEC’s future despite the present disruption.
Qatar supports decision to cancel 1812km event
Lusail International Circuit had been due to host the Qatar 1812km during the final phase of the season. Qatar joined the FIA WEC calendar in 2024 and quickly established the event as a major part of the championship. However, the regional circumstances prevented the country from hosting the planned 2026 race.
Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation President Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai accepted FIA WEC’s decision and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the partnership.
“We fully respect the decision taken by FIA WEC to call off this year’s Qatar 1812km. Our commitment to this partnership remains as strong as ever, and we look forward to working closely with both the FIA and FIA WEC to deliver an exceptional event when the championship returns to Lusail International Circuit.
“We are grateful to our fans, partners, teams and the wider motorsport community for their continued support, understanding and confidence. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the near future.”
FIA WEC now plans to return to Lusail in 2027, provided circumstances allow the event to proceed. Meanwhile, Barcelona will take over Qatar’s position as the penultimate round of the 2026 campaign.
Bahrain backs revised FIA WEC schedule
Bahrain International Circuit had been scheduled to host the 2026 season finale. The venue has regularly closed the FIA WEC campaign and has developed a long-standing relationship with the championship through its eight-hour event.
Consequently, relocating the round required FIA WEC to move not only a race but also its championship-deciding weekend and end-of-season operations. Bahrain International Circuit Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa supported the decision despite the circuit’s disappointment.
“Over recent weeks, we have been in close coordination with our colleagues at FIA WEC and other stakeholders. Whilst we are naturally disappointed not to be hosting the pinnacle of world endurance racing in 2026, we support the decision, which is in the best interests of all involved.
“On behalf of all of us at BIC, I thank the entire FIA WEC community for their support and we look forward to welcoming the return of the series next year, together with fans from all around the world.”
Therefore, Bahrain also expects to regain its place on the calendar in 2027. For 2026, however, Monza will replace Bahrain as the venue where FIA WEC crowns its world champions.
Barcelona prepares for inaugural 2026 WEC round ahead of Monza finale
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will welcome FIA WEC for the first time from 16–18 October. Although the circuit has previously hosted the European Le Mans Series and Michelin Le Mans Cup, Spain has never staged an FIA WEC race. Consequently, the new event will introduce the championship’s Hypercar and LMGT3 fields to Spanish supporters.
Barcelona’s technical layout will also create a significant test during the penultimate round. Its long corners, heavy braking zones and varied speeds will require teams to find an effective balance between aerodynamic performance, tyre management and straight-line efficiency.
Lequien welcomed Barcelona’s addition and Monza’s return as both circuits prepare to play decisive roles in the title battles.
“It is always exciting to visit new venues, and we are delighted to take FIA WEC to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the first time. It is a track that we already know well through the European Le Mans Series, so we have no doubt that we will receive a warm welcome. Spanish fans are some of the most passionate in the sport, and we hope to see a large crowd for the penultimate round of the season – one that promises to play a crucial role in the title fight.
“Similarly, we are pleased to be returning to Monza, and thank the local organiser and in particular the circuit’s CEO, Alfredo Scala, for accommodating us at short notice. It is a truly iconic track with a proud history of top-tier endurance racing, and one that staged three memorable FIA WEC races from 2021 to 2023. As one of the most challenging circuits in the world – rewarding bravery while punishing errors – it will be a fitting venue for the coronation of our Hypercar and LMGT3 champions in November.”
Barcelona could either settle parts of the championship early or create an even closer contest before Monza. Moreover, its previous endurance-racing experience should help the circuit prepare for the event despite the shortened lead time.
Barcelona strengthens international event portfolio
Fira Circuit, the parent company that operates the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, will oversee preparations for the new race. The circuit already hosts Formula 1 and MotoGP. Therefore, adding FIA WEC places Barcelona among a select group of venues capable of staging three of international motorsport’s leading championships.
Fira Circuit General Manager Ignasi Armengol believes the event reflects confidence in the venue’s facilities and organisational capabilities.
“The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is proud to host a round of the FIA World Endurance Championship. In light of the changes to the championship’s planned calendar, and with the hope that the current situation will be resolved as soon as possible, this decision reflects the confidence placed in our circuit’s proven experience, organisational excellence and world-class facilities.
“The arrival of the FIA World Endurance Championship further strengthens the circuit’s position as one of the world’s leading motorsport venues, placing it at the heart of one of the fastest-growing and most prestigious championships in international motorsport.
“This is more than simply adding another event to our calendar – it is an opportunity to enhance international visibility, generate economic impact and create new opportunities for Barcelona, Catalonia and the wider region. By hosting Formula 1, MotoGP and the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya joins a select group of venues worldwide capable of staging the three most prestigious championships in international motorsport.”
The race will consequently carry economic and promotional importance alongside its sporting significance. In addition, FIA WEC’s arrival will expand Spain’s role within international endurance racing.
Monza returns for championship-deciding finale
Three weeks after Barcelona, FIA WEC will return to Monza for the first time since 2023. The Italian circuit hosted the championship for three consecutive seasons from 2021 to 2023, producing victories for Toyota and Alpine. However, its association with international endurance racing stretches back more than 60 years.
Drivers including John Surtees, Mario Andretti and Jacky Ickx have claimed major sportscar victories at the venue. Furthermore, Monza’s long straights, high speeds and demanding braking zones have earned it the ‘Temple of Speed’ nickname.
The circuit will now host the 2026 title decider from 6–8 November.
Italy gains second race of 2026 season
Monza’s addition gives Italy two FIA WEC rounds during the 2026 campaign. Imola hosted the opening event, while Monza will now bring the season to a close. Consequently, Italy will stage both the first and final rounds of the championship.
Automobile Club d’Italia President Geronimo La Russa praised the work behind the replacement event and highlighted its significance for Italian motorsport.
“The announcement that the Autodromo Nazionale Monza will host the season finale of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship represents another prestigious recognition for Italian motorsport and the ACI, which, as the national sporting authority, has once again demonstrated promptness, expertise and organisational capability this season. Following the championship opener at Imola, this new appointment further confirms Italy’s leading role on the international motorsport stage.
“Now Monza, ‘The Temple Of Speed’, is preparing to welcome the grand finale of the FIA World Endurance Championship – an event that further enhances a circuit unique in its history, tradition and technical profile, capable of bringing out the best in drivers and teams while delivering extraordinary emotions to fans.
“This outcome strengthens Italy’s position on the international motorsport scene and rewards the professionalism and passion of everyone at the ACI, whose commitment makes it possible to stage major racing events in our country.”
Monza’s previous FIA WEC experience should allow organisers to prepare efficiently despite receiving the event at short notice.
Furthermore, its history and high-speed character will provide a prominent setting for the championship’s concluding race.
Revised finale changes 2026 WEC sporting challenge as Barcelona and Monza replace Qatar and Bahrain
Replacing Qatar and Bahrain with Barcelona and Monza significantly alters the technical demands facing manufacturers and teams.
Barcelona places sustained loads on the tyres through its long corners and requires a balanced aerodynamic package. Conversely, Monza rewards top speed, aerodynamic efficiency and braking stability.
Therefore, teams can no longer rely on preparations developed for Lusail and Bahrain. Instead, they must redirect their simulation, set-up and strategic work towards two markedly different European circuits.
The change could also reshape the competitive order. Manufacturers that expected to perform strongly in the Middle East may face different challenges, while teams with previous experience at Barcelona or Monza could gain an advantage.
Nevertheless, FIA WEC has preserved the full length of the championship and secured two established venues for its closing rounds.
The inaugural 6 Hours of Barcelona will launch the revised finale from 16–18 October. Subsequently, the 6 Hours of Monza will determine the Hypercar and LMGT3 world champions from 6–8 November.
