Qatar set to kick off 2026 FIA WEC Season with high-octane action

Doha, Qatar: As Qatar gears up to host the Prologue and opening race of the FIA World Endurance Championship for the third consecutive year, Lusail In...

Doha, Qatar: As Qatar gears up to host the Prologue and opening race of the FIA World Endurance Championship for the third consecutive year, Lusail International Circuit is set to ignite the 2026 season with high-octane action. This pivotal role highlights Qatar’s expanding footprint in motorsport, with the Prologue – a mandatory two-day pre-season test from March 22 to 23 – allowing teams to dial in their machines before the Qatar 1812km curtain-raiser, a gruelling ten-hour battle on March 28. 

Entering its 14th season under the auspices of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), FIA WEC remains the pinnacle of endurance racing, demanding speed, strategy and mechanical resilience across eight globe-trotting rounds. What truly sets FIA WEC apart is the diversity it offers, enabling fans to witness 14 major manufacturers battling on the same track at the same time. This incredible line-up of global brands, from established giants to exciting newcomers, creates unmatched competition in both the elite Hypercar class (LMH/LMDh prototypes) and production-based LMGT3 category, with 35 full-season entries in 2026 including 17 Hypercars and 18 LMGT3 cars. Eight of the 14 marques feature in the Hypercar division – Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Genesis, Peugeot and Toyota – while LMGT3 comprises Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche. 

Notable grid shake-ups over the off-season include Porsche’s retreat from the Hypercar class, offset by Genesis Magma Racing’s debut with two GMR-001 prototypes on Oreca chassis’. Defending champion Ferrari AF Corse returns with the proven 499P, while Toyota Racing arrives hungry for redemption after a challenging 2025 campaign. The Japanese carmaker unveiled the updated TR010 Hybrid – its third major evolution – with key tweaks focusing on enhanced drivability, top speed and overall consistency, complemented by a striking new red, white and black livery inspired by the iconic GT One. The team has also rebranded from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing to simply Toyota Racing for 2026.