FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) has officially announced the postponement of the Qatar 1812KM race, which was originally scheduled to open the 2026 season from March 26–28. The event will now take place later in the year, during the second half of the season, following careful consideration of the current and evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
In its official statement, WEC management confirmed that it has been in continuous dialogue with the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) to closely monitor developments and assess the situation. The decision to postpone the event was made with the safety and security of competitors, team personnel, officials, and fans as the top priority. Championship officials emphasized that ensuring a safe environment for all stakeholders remains paramount and guided the final outcome.
Further discussions were also held with Lusail International Circuit, the venue set to host the Qatar 1812KM. A new date for the race will be finalized and communicated in due course, once coordination within the championship calendar has been completed. Lusail has become a significant fixture on the WEC schedule in recent years, hosting high-profile endurance events and establishing itself as a key venue in the region.
As a result of the postponement, the 2026 FIA WEC season will now officially begin with the 6 Hours of Imola, taking place from April 17–19 in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. The historic Italian circuit will therefore host the opening round of the championship, shifting the spotlight from the Middle East to Europe for the season curtain-raiser. Imola’s technical layout and rich motorsport heritage promise an exciting and competitive start to the new campaign.
Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit, expressed his full support and respect for the FIA WEC’s decision. He noted that the outcome followed in-depth discussions with all relevant stakeholders and reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to hosting a world-class endurance event when circumstances allow.
Al Mannai also extended his gratitude to fans, teams, and partners for their understanding and continued support, stating that the federation looks forward to welcoming everyone back to Lusail International Circuit once the revised date is confirmed.
The postponement reflects the championship’s flexibility and responsible governance in the face of global developments. By prioritizing safety while maintaining the integrity of the competition, the FIA WEC aims to ensure a stable and successful 2026 season.
With preparations now focused on Imola, teams will shift their attention to the Italian opener as they seek to establish early momentum in the championship standings. Meanwhile, anticipation will continue to build for the rescheduled Qatar 1812KM, which remains an important and eagerly awaited round on the 2026 calendar.