FIA launch assertion as bosses affirm opening motorsport race cancelled because of Iran warfare
F1 bosses have confirmed they have had to cancel the opening race of a motorsport event due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East
The World Endurance Championship was due to start in Qatar(Image: LAT Images)
The FIA have confirmed they have had to cancel a race due to the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
The opening race of the World Endurance Championship was due to due to start later this month at the Qatar 1812km. However, due to the ongoing conflict that involves Iranian missiles in Qatar, the FIA have taken the decision to postpone the event.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, FIA said: “The Qatar 1812km – originally scheduled to stage the opening round of the 2026 @FIAWEC on 26-28 March – has been officially postponed until later in the year.”
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And an official statement from the World Endurance Championship added: “The Qatar 1812km – originally scheduled to stage the opening round of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship campaign on 26-28 March – has been officially postponed until later this year.
“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.”
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The new date will now be announced midway through the season. It added: “Following further discussions with out colleagues at Lusail International Circuit (LIC), where the race is held, a new date for the Qatar 1812km during the second half of the season 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.”
British driver James Calado will be looking to defend his World Championship title for Ferrari alongside team-mates Alessandro Pier Guidi and former F1 driver Antonio Giovinazzi.
