Creventic: “Full Focus” on Middle East Despite Contingency Plan

Photo: racingpixels/Creventic

Creventic has provided an update regarding the status of the Michelin 24H Series Middle East Trophy, which remains its “full focus” despite now currently drafting up a contingency plan amid increased conflict in the region.

An update to teams was sent on Thursday morning, three weeks after confirming the 2026-27 winter calendar that’s due to hold races at Yas Marinia Circuit and the Dubai Autodrome, both in the United Arab Emirates, from December to January.

However, since the calendar release, which was during a cease-fire period, Iran and the U.S. have resumed strikes, which has led to series including Formula 1 and the FIA World Endurance Championship also having to re-evaluate its options for this fall and winter in the Middle East.

“Our full focus remains on organizing the Yas 12 Hours, 24H Dubai and 6H Abu Dhabi as planned,” the letter from Creventic read. “At this stage, preparations continue according to schedule.

“Transport to Dubai can be organized without using the Strait of Hormuz, providing a reliable proven shipping solution.

“Daily international flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to operate as normal. Together with our logistics partners, we continue to monitor developments on a daily basis.”

The letter, however, confirmed that the Dutch organization is now working on a contingency plan in order to be “prepared for every scenario.”

It states that one option would be to move the entire winter season to Kyalami, with the series now seeking entrant feedback from entrants.

The South African venue would be new to Creventic, although has hosted multiple rounds of Intercontinental GT Challenge, most recently as 2023.

A final decision will be made by the end of August.

“Our objective would be to maintain the published January event dates, allowing teams to keep their planning, transport and travel arrangements largely unchanged,” the letter read regarding a potential move to a ‘Plan B’.

“If you have any thoughts regarding Kyalami as a contingency option, we would very much appreciate your feedback.”

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