WEC 2026: Qatar 1812km postponed due to Middle East situation

WEC 2026: Qatar 1812km uitgesteld na situatie in het Midden-Oosten

The new season of the FIA World Endurance Championship has taken an unexpected turn even before the first race has been run. The planned season opener, the Qatar 1812km, has been officially postponed due to the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East.

The race was scheduled to take place from March 26 to 28 at the Lusail International Circuit, but safety – rightly so – comes first.

Why was the race postponed?

The championship organization held intensive consultations with various parties, including the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and the circuit itself.

The main reason for the postponement:

  • The current and evolving situation in the Middle East
  • Uncertainty about safety for teams, staff, and fans
  • The desire to take no risks

Within the endurance world, where teams and fans from all over the world come together, safety is simply non-negotiable.

Official reaction from the FIA

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, emphasized that this decision was inevitable.

According to him, the safety and well-being of everyone in motorsport always remains the highest priority. At the same time, he indicated that the Qatar 1812km holds an important place on the calendar and that active efforts are being made to find a new date later in the season.

The FIA continues to monitor the situation in the region closely and expresses support for everyone affected by the current circumstances.

New date to follow later in the season

Although the race will not take place in March, this does not mean it will disappear from the calendar entirely. On the contrary: the clear intention is for the Qatar 1812km to still be held later in 2026.

What we know so far:

  • The race will be rescheduled for the second half of the season
  • An exact date will be announced later
  • Consultations with all involved parties are still ongoing

There is also understanding and support for this decision from the circuit and the local organization.

Reaction from Qatar and the organization

Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, on behalf of both the federation and the circuit, indicated that they fully support the decision. He thanked fans, teams, and partners for their understanding and emphasized that they look forward to the time when everyone can be safely welcomed back to Qatar.

In addition, Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), also spoke out. He emphasized that in times of conflict, sport always comes second.

What does this mean for the WEC season?

With Qatar no longer being the opening race, the entire calendar shifts. The first race of the season will now be: The 6 Hours of Imola in Italy

This race will take place from April 17 to 19 at the legendary circuit in the Emilia-Romagna region. This ensures the season still has a strong start, albeit at a different location than planned.

Why this is important for fans

For fans of endurance racing – and certainly for lovers of brands, technology, and long-distance races – this is, of course, disappointing. The Qatar 1812km is a unique race, especially due to:

  • The long distance (1812 km)
  • Racing in often hot conditions
  • The spectacular nocturnal character

Nevertheless, this decision also shows how professionally and responsibly the championship is organized.

With an eye on Spa and Le Mans

For CarBrick, this is even more interesting, as the focus now shifts even more to the European races. Including:

  • The 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps
  • The legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans

These are not only highlights of the season, but also events where the passion for motorsport, technology, and design come together – precisely what CarBrick identifies with.

Conclusion: sensible choice, season remains strong

The postponement of the Qatar 1812km is a clear and understandable decision. Safety comes first, and in this case, it is logical that the organization takes no risks.

Although fans will have to wait for this race, the season of the FIA World Endurance Championship remains exceptionally interesting. With a new opening race in Imola and major classics like Spa and Le Mans on the horizon, there is still plenty to look forward to.