2026 FIA World Endurance Championship:
Lusail, Qatar: The Lusail International Circuit is stepping up preparations for the 2026 motorsport season as Qatar prepares to host both the official pre-season testing and the opening round of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) for the third consecutive year.
Qatar’s continued role as the championship’s season opener highlights the nation’s rapidly expanding presence on the global motorsport stage. The mandatory two-day pre-season test will take place on March 22–23, 2026, giving teams valuable track time to finalize car setups, evaluate performance, and fine-tune race strategies ahead of the season’s first competitive event.
Pre-Season Testing and Qatar Opener Confirmed
The 2026 WEC season will officially begin on March 28, 2026, with the 1,812-kilometre Qatar race at Lusail International Circuit. The nearly ten-hour endurance contest is expected to serve as an early benchmark for teams and manufacturers competing for world championship honors.
Now entering its fourteenth season under the joint leadership of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), the FIA World Endurance Championship continues to strengthen its status as the pinnacle of endurance racing, combining outright speed, long-term strategy, and mechanical reliability across an eight-round global calendar.
Strong Manufacturer Presence in 2026 WEC Grid
One of the defining features of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship is its exceptional manufacturer diversity. A total of fourteen global automotive brands will compete on the same grid, creating one of the most competitive multi-class championships in world motorsport.
The 2026 season will feature 35 full-season entries, including 17 Hypercars and 18 LMGT3 cars.
Hypercar Manufacturers (2026 WEC)
Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Genesis, Peugeot, Toyota
LMGT3 Manufacturers (2026 WEC)
Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche
Qatar’s Growing Role in Global Motorsport
With Qatar once again hosting pre-season testing and the season opener, Lusail International Circuit continues to establish itself as a key venue in international endurance racing. The event not only strengthens Qatar’s motorsport profile but also provides fans in the Middle East with early access to one of the world’s premier racing championships.
With a competitive field, global manufacturer backing, and a high-profile start in Qatar, the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated endurance racing seasons in recent years.
