– The military escalation in the Gulf region now has direct impacts on international top-level sport: The season opener of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in Qatar has been officially canceled. The race is set to take place at a later date in the year. The date has not yet been announced, but it will be in the second half of the year, most likely close to the Bahrain race.
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The race, which was scheduled over a distance of 1.812 kilometers or a maximum of ten hours, was supposed to take place from March 26 to 28. Since the pre-test (Prologue) was already planned for March 22 and 23, those responsible had to make the decision today, March 3, due to logistical lead times.
“The safety and well-being of our community will always be the FIA’s top priority. The FIA continues to closely monitor developments in the region. Our thoughts are with all those affected by recent events,” says FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem.
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), adds: “In times like these, sporting interests are clearly secondary. Therefore, the decision was quickly made that the event cannot take place at this time.”
Security situation no longer tenable
The decision follows a dramatic escalation of the conflict in the Near and Middle East. After US President Donald Trump predicted as early as March 1 that the intense combat operations could last at least another four weeks, the danger to civilian targets has increased massively.
Following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran responded with attacks on infrastructure throughout the region. Hotels and airports were also targeted.
Experts see this as an attempt by the regime to use economic destabilization to persuade the Gulf states to put pressure on the USA.
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While Qatar was long considered a mediator with links to Tehran, the government in Doha officially declared today that Iran had “crossed red lines” with the recent attacks. Safe racing operations are impossible under these circumstances.
Season start now in Italy
Since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, 2026, the WEC, the Qatari motorsport federation QMMF, and the Lusail International Circuit have been in intensive communication. On Saturday evening, the WEC issued a statement saying the situation was being “monitored.” Only a few hours later, the Iranian missile barrage began, which also affected Qatar due to the US soldiers stationed at the Al Udeid Airbase.
“We have been working hand in hand since Saturday morning to find the best solution for holding the event. Although we still need a few days to determine the exact new date, I can confirm that it will be in the second half of the 2026 season,” says WEC boss Frederic Lequien.
According to current plans, the 2026 WEC season is still intended to consist of eight races. A replacement date is still being explored, but a date around the 8 Hours of Bahrain, previously planned as the season finale, would make the most sense.
Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of the QMMF, emphasized that they fully support the decision and look forward to welcoming the WEC teams to Lusail at a later date.
The season will now start with the 6 Hours of Imola on April 19, 2026 (2026 WEC calendar). Whether there will be a prologue at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari beforehand is currently being left open by the WEC. These are also questions that will be clarified in the near future.
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