The forthcoming seventh round of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (16-18 October) has been renamed the "6 Hours of Barcelona presented by Visit Qatar", in acknowledgement of the event it has replaced on this year’s calendar.
The Qatar 1812km – a popular staple of the FIA WEC schedule since 2024 – was due to raise the curtain on the current campaign back in March, but the prevailing geopolitical situation in the Middle East unfortunately obliged the cancellation of the event, with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya stepping into the breach.
The Catalan track – which previously hosted the pre-season Prologue group test back in 2019 – will duly stage the penultimate instalment of a compelling title fight in both the Hypercar and LMGT3 categories this weekend. FIA WEC set is to return to Qatar’s Lusail International Circuit for the opening round of its 2027 season on 25-27 March.
Frédéric Lequien, CEO, FIA WEC, said:
“We are pleased to unveil the new name of this weekend’s event in Barcelona, as a token of our excellent relationship with Qatar and the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation. It has clearly been a difficult few months for events in the Middle East and we are very sorry not to be able to compete there this year, but we remain fully committed to our ongoing partnership with Lusail International Circuit and thank them for their close collaboration.
“We are very much looking forward to returning to the region next season, and in the meantime, we anticipate an intriguing race in Barcelona – with a distinct Qatari spirit.”
Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, said:
“Our partnership with the FIA World Endurance Championship as Presenting Partner of the "6 Hours of Barcelona" reflects Qatar’s continued commitment to supporting world-class sporting events and strengthening its presence on the international motorsport stage. We look forward to an exciting race weekend in Barcelona and to welcoming the FIA WEC community back to Qatar in 2027 for another exceptional season opener at Lusail International Circuit.”
