The FIA World Endurance Championship has postponed the 1812km race in Lusail, Qatar, originally scheduled for 26-28 March, due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The 2026 season will now begin at Imola on 17-19 April.
Bombardments affecting Iran, Qatar, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi recently forced Pirelli to cancel F1 tests at Sakhir, prompting other series, including WEC, to reconsider their schedules. Some teams had already sent equipment to Doha, but continued regional instability led organisers to delay the first round of the championship.
The Lusail race will be rescheduled for the second half of 2026, likely before the Bahrain round, once conditions stabilise. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said safety and well-being remain the organisation’s top priorities.
Officials from the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation, Lusail International Circuit and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest expressed support for the postponement and pledged to work with WEC to find a new date.
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