World Endurance Championship moves Qatar and Bahrain rounds to Europe after Iran war
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The cancellation of the two WEC rounds in the region will only increase speculation about the F1 races.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- The final two rounds of the 2026 World Endurance Championship have been moved from Qatar and Bahrain to Spain and Italy due to the Iran war and regional instability.
- The Qatar race was postponed and replaced by the Six Hours of Barcelona on Oct 18, while Italy’s Monza circuit will host the final round instead of Bahrain on Nov 8.
- Safety concerns were the main reason for the changes, with officials emphasising logistical needs and supporting the decision despite disappointment from Bahrain organisers.
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LONDON – The final two rounds of the 2026 World Endurance Championship (WEC) have been moved from Qatar and Bahrain to circuits in Spain and Italy due to the situation in the Gulf region, organisers said on July 28.
The Qatar 1,812 km race at the Lusail circuit outside Doha was due to open the season on March 28 but had been postponed to Oct 24 due to the Iran war.
That penultimate round will instead become the inaugural Six Hours of Barcelona at the Circuit de Catalunya on Oct 18.
Italy’s Monza circuit outside Milan will host the final round instead of Bahrain on Nov 8.
“We have been closely monitoring developments in the Middle East over recent months,” said WEC chief executive Frederic Lequien in a statement.
“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.
“Logistically, it was imperative to take this decision now to allow manufacturers, teams and the FIA WEC organisation to make all necessary arrangements.”
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the governing FIA, said every option had been explored to keep the events on the 2026 calendar but safety was the top priority.
Bahrain’s Formula One Grand Prix, called off in April, was on July 26 relocated to Malaysia’s Sepang circuit on Oct 4.
Qatar remains on the F1 calendar as the penultimate round on Nov 29, followed by Abu Dhabi on Dec 6.
The cancellation of the two WEC rounds in the region will only increase speculation about the F1 races, with Italy’s Imola circuit the frontrunner to host the final race of the season if they cannot be held.
Imola is a home circuit for Ferrari as well as Mercedes’ F1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who comes from nearby Bologna.
“Whilst we are naturally disappointed not to be hosting the pinnacle of world endurance racing in 2026, we support the decision, which is in the best interests of all involved,” said Bahrain International Circuit chief executive Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa. REUTERS
