The World Endurance Championship will add a new event in the Middle East. In 2024, the season will open with the first-ever edition of the 6 Hours of Qatar, at the Losail circuit, after the country and the WEC signed a six-year agreement. The race thus replaces the 1000 Miles of Sebring, whose current contract ends next year.
Note that the Prologue will also be held at Losail, which has hosted MotoGP since 2006 and Formula 1 since 2021.
“The Losail International Circuit is a modern venue that is accustomed to the demands of world-class motorsport events”commented Richard Mille, Chairman of the FIA Endurance Commission. “Therefore, for him to join the FIA World Endurance Championship is positive and logical.”
“Improving geographical diversity is very important for the FIA. At the same time, promoting motorsport and promoting the FIA WEC in new markets will be beneficial for the fans, the manufacturers involved and the promoter. It is good to see the ecosystem of the FIA WEC to develop in a controlled way with the addition of extra-European races.”
The circuit of Losail
Since the first edition of the World Endurance Championship in 2012, Qatar is the 13th country to be visited by prototypes and GTs, and the second country in the Middle East after Bahrain. Work is underway at Losail, but these only concern the facilities in the pits and paddock area and must be finalized before the next edition of the MotoGP Grand Prix there in November 2023.
Frédéric Lequien, FIA WEC CEO, added: “We are delighted to have signed a contract of at least six years with the Losail International Circuit for the WEC to visit Qatar for the first time. The extensive renovations underway at Losail will make it one of the most prestigious in the world. 2024 will be an absolutely memorable year: not only will we have several global manufacturers competing in the Hypercar category, but we will take Endurance into additional new territory.”
The date for the 6 Hours of Qatar and the 2024 WEC calendar have yet to be approved by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.