WEC replaces Middle East rounds with new races in Barcelona and Monza
The 2026 World Endurance Championship has moved its final rounds from the Middle East to Europe due to the collapse of a ceasefire between Iran and the US/Israel. Races originally scheduled for Qatar and Bahrain will now take place in Barcelona and Monza to ensure safety and logistics.
Why it matters
The decision illustrates how escalating geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East are disrupting international sports logistics and scheduling.
The 2026 World Endurance Championship will conclude in Europe, with the planned events in the Middle East replaced by new races in Barcelona and Monza.
Following visits to Austin and Fuji in September, the championship was supposed to head to the Gulf in September, with the rescheduled Qatar 1812km race set for 24 October to be followed by the traditional Bahrain finale on 7 November.
However, the ceasefire agreed between Iran and the US/Israel collapsed this month, with both sides resuming attacks in the region and commercial ships continuing to avoid the Strait of Hormuz over fear of missile strikes. The situation posed a particular challenge for the WEC, which relies heavily on sea freight to transport its equipment.
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