The FIA World Endurance Championship has relocated its final two 2026 rounds from Qatar and Bahrain to Europe because of ongoing regional developments.
The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) has cancelled its planned 2026 rounds in Qatar and Bahrain, moving the final two rounds of the season to Europe after ongoing regional developments affecting freight and travel arrangements.
Organisers confirmed on Tuesday that the final two rounds, originally scheduled to take place in Qatar and Bahrain, will instead be held at Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and Italy’s Autodromo Nazionale Monza. The inaugural 6 Hours of Barcelona will take place over the weekend of 16–18 October, followed by the season finale in Monza over 6–8 November.
WEC Chief Executive Officer Frédéric Lequien said organisers had been optimistic only weeks ago that the championship would still be able to race in Qatar and Bahrain, but that the current situation had made an alternative plan necessary.
“A few weeks ago, we were optimistic about being able to race in Qatar and Bahrain, but unfortunately, the present situation obliges us to switch to an alternative plan,” Lequien said.
“We have duly resolved to replace those two end-of-season rounds with Barcelona and Monza. Logistically, it was imperative to take this decision now to allow manufacturers, teams and the FIA WEC organisation to make all necessary arrangements.”
Lequien thanked Qatar and Bahrain, as well as both circuits and their national federations, for their understanding, saying the championship remained committed to the region.
“We have been in constant dialogue with both tracks and their national federations, and are proud of the close, long-standing relationships we have built in the Middle East. They are hugely important and well-established events in FIA WEC, and will remain so for many years to come,” he said.
“We are fully committed to returning to both venues in 2027 as scheduled.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said safety had remained the overriding priority throughout discussions over the calendar.
“The FIA has worked closely with our partners in Qatar and Bahrain in recent months to explore every option to preserve both events this season, but due to the ongoing situation in the region, the safety of our teams, colleagues and motorsport fans remains our highest priority,” Ben Sulayem said.
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), said organisers had worked daily with stakeholders to find a solution.
“We have been monitoring developments on a daily basis and working closely and transparently with all stakeholders to identify the best possible solution during what is an exceptionally complex period for the Middle East,” Fillon said.
Regional calendar adjustments
The relocation makes the WEC the latest in a series of major international sporting and business events forced to alter plans in the Gulf following the breakout and recent flare-up of conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Formula 1 previously cancelled its Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix originally scheduled for April. The Bahrain race was moved to Malaysia, while the Saudi round was taken off the calendar entirely.
MotoGP postponed its Qatar round from April to November, and the high-profile Spain-Argentina Finalissima football fixture in Doha was called off. Qatar Economic Forum was also postponed earlier this spring to allow for conditions that support full international participation.
The regional situation has also impacted air travel. Qatar Airways has temporarily extended flight suspensions to Bahrain, Kuwait and Erbil through 31 July due to intermittent airspace restrictions, rebooking affected passengers while coordinating with aviation authorities.
Qatar maintains open operations and diplomatic efforts
Despite the event adjustments, Qatari authorities have confirmed that Hamad International Airport remains open and operational, with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority assessing airspace safety on a daily basis.
Qatari officials have continued to call for de-escalation and dialogue across the region, actively mediating talks between the US and Iran in Doha while condemning violations of neighbouring states’ sovereignty.
