The FIA World Endurance Championship season-opening event in Qatar will not take place on March 26-28 due to conflict in the Middle East. This event has officially been postponed to a later date.
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Military action has taken place across the region with increasing frequency. The United States and Israel have conducted air strikes against Iran while Iran has targeted the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia. Israel has also sent troops into Lebanon.
"The safety and wellbeing of our community will always be the FIA's first priority, and 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," said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
"As the opening event of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Qatar 1812km holds a special place for many fans, drivers and teams alike, and we will work closely with all involved to reschedule the race for later in the 2026 season.
"The FIA continues to monitor developments across the region and our thoughts remain with all those affected by these recent events as we hope for calm, safety and a return to stability."
With the Qatar 1812km officially postponed, the WEC teams will now begin the season in April. They will head to Imola for the Six Hours of Imola at the Autodromo Enzo E Dino Ferrari.
They will then head to Belgium in May for the TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and France in June for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The endurance racing season continues with Brazil in July, the United States in September, Japan in September, and Bahrain in November.
"First and foremost, I must stress that our primary thoughts are with the victims of this terrible conflict," said Pierre Fillon, president of Automobile Club de l'Ouest .
"At times like these, sporting interests are clearly secondary, which is why a decision has been quickly taken that the event cannot proceed at the present time.
"We are working hard with Lusail International Circuit and the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation to find the best alternative to allow the Qatar 1812km to take place at a later date in 2026, and we thank all parties for their earnest support, cooperation and understanding in this matter."
