The FIA World Endurance Championship has confirmed that the final two rounds of its 2026 season will be held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and Autodromo Nazionale Monza, replacing the previously scheduled events in Qatar and Bahrain.
Ongoing regional developments in the Middle East, affecting freight and travel logistics, have forced the cancellation of both events, with championship officials acting swiftly to secure alternative European venues.
The inaugural 6 Hours of Barcelona will take place on 16-18 October, marking the first time FIA WEC has visited the Spanish circuit, which has previously hosted both the European Le Mans Series and Michelin Le Mans Cup.
Monza follows on 6-8 November, a track with deep endurance racing roots stretching back more than 60 years, having hosted the FIA World Sportscar Championship on numerous occasions and welcomed WEC for three consecutive seasons between 2021 and 2023.
FIA WEC CEO Frédéric Lequien cited the need to act decisively stating: "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 emphasised that safety remained the overriding concern throughout the process.
“I am incredibly proud of the collaboration that will enable Barcelona and Monza to host FIA World Endurance Championship rounds later this year.
“The FIA has worked closely with our partners in Qatar and Bahrain in recent months to explore every option to preserve 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 wellbeing of our motorsport community will always come first.”
The 2026 calendar changes are subject to approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council and have no bearing on the nine-round 2027 schedule, which was confirmed on 12 June.
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