The FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) will not conclude its 2026 season in the Middle East as originally planned. Instead of races in Qatar and Bahrain, the final two rounds of the season will now take place in Europe. The venues are the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as well as the Monza National Autodrome.
According to the FIA WEC, ongoing developments in the region and the resulting uncertainties in logistics and travel planning necessitated an adaptation of the calendar. The first race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is scheduled for the weekend of October 16 to 18 and simultaneously marked the premiere of the FIA WEC on the Spanish Formula 1 circuit. Monza will then take over the season finale from November 6-8. The change is still subject to formal approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
Barcelona has been a well-established venue for the European Le Mans Series and the Michelin Le Mans Cup for years, while Monza boasts a decades-long tradition in international endurance racing. Between 2021 and 2023, the FIA WEC visited the traditional Italian race track three times in a row.
FIA WEC CEO Frédéric Lequien stated that the decision was made after intense observation of the situation in the Middle East. Early planning was essential for manufacturers, teams, and organizers, which is why the European alternative is now being used. At the same time, he emphasized the continued close relationship with Qatar and Bahrain, underscoring that both events are intended to remain an important part of the World Championship in the long term.
ACO President Pierre Fillon also expressed his disappointment over the cancellation of the two races in the Middle East. He emphasized that both countries have now become firm members of the FIA WEC family and that a return to Qatar and Bahrain for the 2027 season is firmly planned. At the same time, he thanked those responsible in Barcelona and Monza for their short-term willingness to host the World Championship.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem described the safety of teams, staff, and fans as the top priority. He said the decision was made following extensive discussions with partners in Qatar and Bahrain. He expressed his gratitude to everyone involved who made the revised race calendar possible.
The management of the Lusail International Circuit and the Bahrain International Circuit also expressed understanding for the decision and reaffirmed their support for the championship. Both sides emphasized that they are looking forward to the planned return of the FIA WEC in 2027.
The changes exclusively concern the 2026 season. The already published calendar for the 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship remains unchanged.