P1racenews AI automatic summary:
WEC has postponed its season opener in Qatar due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The opening round of the 2026 World Endurance Championship (WEC) in Qatar has been postponed due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Originally scheduled for 26-28 March, the race has been delayed until later in the year following discussions with the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) about the current geopolitical situation.
The decision to postpone the event was made to prioritize the safety and security of all participants, personnel, and fans, as stated in a WEC announcement. Discussions with Lusail International Circuit (LIC), where the race was to be held, have led to plans for rescheduling the Qatar 1812km during the second half of the WEC season.
This calendar alteration is a direct outcome of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, affecting various regions in the Middle East. The 6 Hours of Imola on 17-19 April is now set to be the season’s opening round as a result of the Qatar postponement.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized the organization’s commitment to safety, expressing gratitude for the collaborative decision-making process among all parties involved in rescheduling the Qatar 1812km race. CEO of the FIA WEC, Frederic Lequien, stressed the importance of Qatar’s event and confirmed ongoing efforts to finalize a new date during the latter half of the 2026 season.
