Official: WEC Chooses Barcelona and Monza Over Middle East Venues

Pulse Sports Team 11:44 - 28 July 2026

The World Endurance Championship (WEC) has confirmed that the final two rounds of the 2026 season will take place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and Monza. These venues replace the originally planned races in Qatar and Bahrain.

Ongoing military actions in the Middle East, impacting freight logistics and travel, necessitated the cancellation of both events. The championship management acted swiftly to secure alternative European hosts.

The "6 Hours of Barcelona" race is scheduled for October 16-18. This will mark the World Endurance Championship's inaugural visit to the Spanish circuit, which has previously hosted the European Le Mans Series and the Michelin Le Mans Cup.

The Monza round will be held on November 6-8. The circuit boasts a rich endurance racing heritage spanning over 60 years. It has frequently hosted the FIA World Sportscar Championship and welcomed WEC for three consecutive seasons between 2021 and 2023.

WEC CEO, Frédéric Lequien, emphasized the need for decisive action: "From a logistical standpoint, it was imperative to make this decision now to allow manufacturers, teams, and the WEC organization to make all necessary preparations."

FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, underscored that safety remains a paramount priority throughout the entire process.

"I am incredibly proud of the collaboration that will allow Barcelona and Monza to host rounds of the FIA World Endurance Championship later this year."

"Over recent months, the FIA has worked closely with our partners in Qatar and Bahrain to explore every possibility of retaining both events this season, but due to the ongoing situation in the region, the safety of our teams, colleagues, and motorsport fans remains our highest priority."

"These are never easy decisions, but protecting the well-being of our motorsport community will always come first."

The calendar changes for 2026 are subject to approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council and do not affect the 2027 schedule, which features nine rounds and was confirmed on June 12.