March 4th 2026

WEC season opener in Qatar postponed, Imola to host first round

The 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship season is set to start later than planned, at Imola next month, following a decision from the championship organisers on Tuesday afternoon to postpone the Qatar 1812KM.

Initially, the FIA WEC pre-season Prologue test and season opener at the Lusail International Circuit were scheduled for later this month. However, the current conflict in the Middle East and widespread military strikes in the region over the past few days from Iran have forced a change to the schedule.

No new date has yet been confirmed for the Qatar race, though the FIA WEC's CEO, Frédéric Lequien, has revealed that it will take place during the second half of the season. No details have been shared publicly about a replacement pre-season Prologue either.

As a result, the campaign will get underway on April 17-19 with the 6 Hours of Imola in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.

"FIA WEC management has been in constant dialogue with the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) in light of the current and evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East," today's statement from the championship organisers reads.

"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."

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), said: “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.”

Pierre Fillon, President, Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), added: "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.”

Frédéric Lequien, CEO of the FIA World Endurance Championship, thanked the Lusail International Circuit team and the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation for their role in the WEC's contingency planning over the past few days.

“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," he continued. "We will provide more information as soon as it is available.”

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