Text & Images: Rick Kiewiet
The 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship will no longer begin in Qatar, after the Qatar 1812km was officially postponed due to the escalating geopolitical situation in the Middle East. The race, originally scheduled for 26–28 March at Lusail International Circuit, will now be moved to the second half of the season. Therefore, Imola will host the 2026 season opener.
In an official FIA WEC press statement released on 3 March, championship organisers confirmed they had been in constant dialogue with the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) in light of the evolving situation. With safety cited as the overriding concern, the decision was taken to delay the season opener.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated in the championship’s official communication:
“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.”
He added, again via the FIA WEC statement, that the governing body will work closely with all stakeholders to reschedule the event later in the 2026 campaign, while continuing to monitor developments across the region.
As a direct consequence of the postponement, the 6 Hours of Imola at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari will now serve as the opening round of the season on 17–19 April.
The official release also included a statement from Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), who said:
“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.”
A revised date for the Qatar 1812km is expected to be confirmed in due course. For now, the championship calendar begins in Italy rather than the Middle East, with Imola set to launch the 2026 WEC season under altered circumstances.