The World Endurance Championship (WEC) has cancelled its season-opening race in Qatar, citing US and Israeli attacks on Iran and the subsequent closure of airports across the region, including Doha.
The decision, announced on Tuesday, casts a shadow over the motorsport calendar amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
The Qatar 1812km race was originally scheduled to take place from 26-28 March at the Lusail International Circuit, a venue also utilised by MotoGP and Formula One.
The endurance season, which culminates in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, will now commence with the Six Hours of Imola at the Italian circuit between 17-19 April.
WEC stated: “With the safety and security of competitors, personnel and fans of the utmost importance, the decision has been taken to delay the event.”
This marks the first major motorsport event in the region to be called off since the conflict erupted over the weekend, leading to widespread airspace closures in the Gulf and significant travel disruption.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the Emirati head of the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA), thanked local organisers and WEC for “the measured and collaborative approach that has led to this decision.”
He added: “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 cancellation has brought Formula One’s upcoming races in the Middle East under scrutiny.
Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are both slated to host Grands Prix in April, and Ben Sulayem confirmed that the FIA is closely monitoring developments.
Over the weekend, Iranian missiles reportedly struck Doha, Dubai, the Bahraini capital Manama, and parts of Saudi Arabia.
Bahrain’s race is scheduled for 12 April, the fourth of 24 on the calendar, with Jeddah following the weekend after.
Grandstand tickets for Bahrain had already sold out before the conflict escalated.
Rescheduling either event would prove challenging due to the intense heat later in the year and an already congested racing calendar.
European alternatives such as Imola, France’s Le Castellet, and Portugal’s Portimao have been mooted as potential replacements.
Formula One typically has contingency plans in place, with teams reportedly using charter flights or alternative routes to avoid the Middle East for this weekend’s season-opening race in Australia.
However, there is no immediate indication of approaches to other circuits for the April races.
The Bahrain International Circuit authorities stated: “With 40 days to the race, it is too early to assess the impact that the regional situation may or may not have on the race weekend.
“From an operational perspective, BIC continues its planning for the race weekend and our dedicated team and offices at the circuit are working to that effect.”
Sources within Formula One indicate that a decision is still several weeks away, with the safety and security of all attendees remaining the paramount concern.
The sport is maintaining close liaison with local authorities, as well as the British Foreign Office and the US State Department.
Current Foreign Office advice recommends avoiding all but essential travel to the island kingdom of Bahrain.
