FIA postpone Qatar race over Iran missile attacks

The FIA, the motorsports governing body that controls F1, WRC, WEC and more have announced they will be officially postponing the opening round of the 2026 World Endurance Championship following the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The Qatar 1812km was originally set to take place as the season-opening event of the 2026 FIA WEC series on March 26 until March 28, but the FIA have now announced it has been postponed until later in the year.

The news comes after a weekend of turmoil in the Middle East triggered by a bombing campaign in Iran which was launched by the US and Israel last Saturday, with Iran retaliating by launching strikes that targeted US bases in nearby countries.

These countries included Qatar and Bahrain, both locations which are popular on the motorsporting calendar, with both F1 and WEC racing there.

As the conflict continued, F1 moved to calm fears that some of its upcoming races could be impacted by the situation, with a statement provided to GPFans by an F1 spokesperson stating: “Our next three races are in Australia, China and Japan not in the Middle East - those races are not for a number of weeks.

“As always we closely monitor any situation like this and work closely with relevant authorities.”

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FIA announce postponement of WEC 2026 season opener

As FOM and the FIA continue to assess the upcoming Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix which are both set to take place in April, the World Endurance Championship have confirmed the FIA's decision to postpone their season-opening event until later in 2026.

A statement from the FIA WEC read: "FIA WEC management has been in constant dialogue with the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) in light of the current and evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East. With the safety and security of competitors, personnel and fans of the utmost importance, the decision has been taken to delay the event that had been due to take place on 26-28 March.

"Following further discussions with our colleagues at Lusail International Circuit (LIC), where the race is held, a new date for the Qatar 1812km during the second half of the campaign will be finalised and communicated in due course.

"The first round of the season will consequently now be the 6 Hours of Imola in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy on 17-19 April."

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA said: "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.

“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.”

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