Qatar To Host Opening Round of 2026-27 Middle East Trophy

Photo: Racingpixels/Creventic

Lusail International Circuit will host the opening round of the 2026-27 Michelin 24H Series Middle East Trophy, in a change of venue from last season’s campaign.

Confirmed by organizer Creventic on Wednesday, the Michelin 8H Qatar will take place on Dec. 11-12, kicking off a three-round championship that will include return trips to Abu Dhabi and Dubai for six and 24-hour races, respectively.

Qatar replaces Sepang International Circuit, which hosted the 12H Malaysia one week earlier on the schedule last year, and means all three rounds of the series are within the Gulf region.

The final order of the 2026-27 calendar has yet to be confirmed.

The 6H Abu Dhabi preceded the 24H Dubai this year, although Sportscar365 understands that the order is likely to be reversed, pending agreements with both Yas Maria Circuit and Dubai Autodrome.

“We are very proud to announce this new race in Qatar,” said Creventic’s team relations manager Helen Roukens.

“Over the past years we have built a strong and successful foundation in the Middle East with our races in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which were very well supported by teams and drivers.

“With the addition of Qatar, we aim to offer our competitors a complete and attractive winter racing program.”

Lusail International Circuit CEO Abdulaziz Al Mohannadi added: “We are pleased to welcome the Michelin 24H Series Middle East Trophy to Lusail International Circuit for the inaugural Michelin 8H Qatar.

“Hosting this endurance event reflects our continued commitment to bringing international motorsport to Qatar.

“As a venue that regularly stages major global competitions, LIC is proud to host the opening round of the 2026-27 Michelin 24H Series Middle East Trophy season and contribute to Qatar’s position as a destination for international sporting events.

“We look forward to delivering a well-organized experience for teams, drivers and partners this December.”

Cars and kit will be able to be shipped to the Middle East in early winter and remain in the Gulf region through January, offering a logistical benefit to teams.

Testing opportunities will also be available, including track days at Lusail on Dec. 9-10 ahead of the inaugural event.

“The expansion of activities in the region underscores the huge popularity and success of this past January’s events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, where huge grids were present for both, and also reflects the increasing prominence of Qatar as a major international sporting and tourist destination,” a statement from Creventic read.

Despite Sepang not featuring on the upcoming calendar, Creventic said it remains “firmly committed” to a return to the Far East at “some point” in the future.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John