The highly anticipated Qatar 1812km, originally set to kick off the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship on March 26-28, has been officially postponed until later in the year. This decision comes amidst the ongoing and evolving geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with the safety and security of competitors, personnel, and fans being the top priority.
The FIA WEC management has been in constant communication with the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and Lusail International Circuit (LIC), where the race is held, to ensure a collaborative and measured approach. After thorough discussions, it was determined that delaying the event was the best course of action.
The first round of the season will now commence with the 6 Hours of Imola in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy on April 17-19. This change in schedule affects the timing of the Qatar 1812km, which will be rescheduled for the second half of the 2026 campaign.
The FIA, led by President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, emphasized the organization's commitment to the safety and well-being of its community. He expressed gratitude to the QMMF, LIC, ACO, and championship colleagues for their collaborative efforts in reaching this decision.
Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of QMMF and LIC, acknowledged the decision and assured fans, teams, and partners of their understanding and continued support. Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), echoed this sentiment, highlighting the priority of safety and the need for a quick resolution.
Frédéric Lequien, CEO of FIA World Endurance Championship, praised the close collaboration between all parties involved in finding the best solution. He confirmed that the revised date for the Qatar 1812km will be announced in the coming days, ensuring a second-half-of-the-season schedule.
This postponement has sparked discussions about the impact of geopolitical tensions on sporting events, with many questioning the timing and potential implications. As the situation unfolds, the racing community awaits further updates, hoping for a safe and stable return to competition.
