The Qatar 1812km will no longer open the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season after organisers confirmed that they have postponed the event. Originally scheduled for 26–28 March, the race will now move to a new slot in the second half of the year.
Championship officials acted after holding ongoing discussions with regional stakeholders and carefully reviewing the evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East. As circumstances developed, decision-makers concluded that proceeding with the event in March would not align with their responsibility to protect everyone involved. Consequently, they chose to delay the race while they continue to monitor developments and assess the most appropriate alternative date.
Organisers will now work closely with the host venue, Lusail International Circuit, to determine a suitable window later in the 2026 campaign. They expect to confirm the revised date in due course once they complete logistical and calendar considerations.
Statement from the FIA WEC on the Qatar 1812km.#WEC pic.twitter.com/de89I62idZ
— FIA World Endurance Championship (@FIAWEC) March 3, 2026
2026 WEC season opener shifts to 6 Hours of Imola as Qatar 1812 km postponed
As a direct result of the postponement, the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship will now begin at the 6 Hours of Imola. The Italian round, set in the Emilia-Romagna region, will take place on 17–19 April and will assume the role of curtain-raiser for the new season.
This adjustment ensures that the championship maintains calendar continuity while allowing additional time to reschedule the Qatar event responsibly. Teams and manufacturers can therefore refocus their preparations on Imola as they gear up for the opening contest of the year.
FIA Leadership stresses safety and responsibility
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), emphasised that the governing body placed safety above all other considerations. He acknowledged the collaborative approach adopted by all parties and underlined the importance of unity during challenging circumstances.
“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.
“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.”
Organisers support revised 2026 WEC plan after Qatar 1812km postponed
Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit, confirmed that local organisers fully supported the postponement. He explained that all relevant stakeholders participated in extensive discussions before reaching a joint conclusion.
“Following in-depth discussions with the FIA World Endurance Championship and all relevant stakeholders, the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit respect and support FIA WEC’s decision to postpone the Qatar 1812km race. We thank our fans, teams and partners for their understanding and continued support, and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Lusail International Circuit.”
ACO and WEC management outline next steps after 2026 Qatar 1812 km postponed
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), addressed the broader context surrounding the decision. He stressed that humanitarian considerations must take precedence over sporting ambitions when circumstances require it.
“First and foremost, I must stress that our primary thoughts are with the victims of this terrible conflict. At times like these, sporting interests are clearly secondary, which is why a decision has been quickly taken that the event cannot proceed at the present time.
“We are working hard with Lusail International Circuit and the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation to find the best alternative to allow the Qatar 1812km to take place at a later date in 2026, and we thank all parties for their earnest support, cooperation and understanding in this matter.”
Meanwhile, Frédéric Lequien, CEO of the FIA World Endurance Championship, reassured teams and fans that organisers continue to work intensively behind the scenes. He confirmed that discussions have progressed steadily since the weekend and that a new date will follow shortly.
“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.”
Focus turns to Imola and the road ahead
Although the postponement alters the early-season schedule, championship officials remain committed to ensuring that the Qatar 1812km retains its place on the 2026 calendar. In the meantime, teams will redirect their focus to Imola as preparations intensify for the season opener.
Organisers will continue to evaluate regional developments and finalise logistical arrangements. Once they confirm the revised Qatar date, they will communicate full details to competitors, partners and supporters. Until then, the championship moves forward with Imola set to launch the new FIA World Endurance Championship campaign.
