World Endurance Championship Set for Barcelona Debut

This weekend, the World Endurance Championship (WEC) will host its first race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, marking the venue's debut in the series. This event replaces the previously scheduled Qatar race, which was canceled due to the ongoing conflict in Iran.

The Barcelona race is the penultimate round of the 2026 season and will feature a six-hour format. Changes to the schedule have resulted in fewer points being awarded for this and the subsequent Monza race, which has also returned to the calendar after a two-year absence. Teams are now faced with adapting to these new circuits, which differ significantly from the original lineup.

While LMGT3 teams are familiar with the Barcelona track from other series, Hypercar manufacturers are entering uncharted territory. Some teams conducted private tests at the circuit in August, but most will rely on simulators for preparation. Weather conditions, including cooler temperatures and a chance of rain, could impact race strategy and tyre management, making this race particularly unpredictable.