The opening round of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship, the Qatar 1812km, has been postponed due to the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East, motorsport officials confirmed Tuesday.
The decision, reached after consultation between the FIA, the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), prioritizes the safety and security of all involved – competitors, personnel, and fans – according to a joint statement. The race, originally scheduled for March 26-28, will be rescheduled for later in the 2026 season, with a new date to be announced.
As a result of the postponement, the first round of the championship will now be the 6 Hours of Imola in Italy, taking place April 17-19.
“The safety and wellbeing of our community will always be the FIA’s first priority,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile. “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.”
Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of the QMMF and Lusail International Circuit, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We thank our fans, teams and partners for their understanding and continued support, and gaze forward to welcoming everyone back to Lusail International Circuit.”
Pierre Fillon, President of the ACO, emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying, “I must stress that our primary thoughts are with the victims of this terrible conflict. At times like these, sporting interests are clearly secondary.” He confirmed that the ACO is working with Qatari authorities to find a suitable date for the rescheduled race.
Frédéric Lequien, CEO of the FIA World Endurance Championship, stated that the Qatar race remains an integral part of the calendar. “We have all been working hand-in-hand since Saturday morning to find the best solution for staging the event,” Lequien said, adding that a revised date will be finalized in the coming days and communicated shortly thereafter. He confirmed the rescheduled race will take place during the second half of the 2026 season.
