LONDON : The final two rounds of the 2026 World Endurance Championship (WEC) have been moved from Qatar and Bahrain to Spain and Italy due to the security situation in the Gulf region, organisers said on Tuesday.
The Qatar 1,812 km race at Lusail International Circuit, originally scheduled to open the season on March 28 before being postponed because of the Iran conflict, will instead be replaced by the inaugural Six Hours of Barcelona at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Oct. 18.
Italy’s Monza circuit will host the season finale on Nov. 8, replacing Bahrain.
“We have been closely monitoring developments in the Middle East over recent months,” WEC Chief Executive Frederic Lequien said 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.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said organisers had explored every option to keep both events on the calendar but that safety remained the overriding priority.
The changes come after Bahrain’s Formula One Grand Prix, which had been cancelled in April, was relocated to Malaysia’s Sepang circuit and is scheduled for Oct. 4.
Qatar remains on the Formula One calendar as the penultimate round of the season on Nov. 29, with Abu Dhabi set to host the finale on Dec. 6.
The removal of the two WEC races from the Gulf is likely to fuel further speculation over the Formula One events, with Italy’s Imola circuit emerging as the leading candidate to stage the season-ending race should the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix also require relocation.
Imola is Ferrari’s home circuit and is also located near the hometown of Mercedes championship leader Kimi Antonelli.
“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,” Bahrain International Circuit Chief Executive Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said.
