‘Qatar 1812’ is now the official name of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) race to be staged for the first time at Lusail International Circuit in early March 2024.

The announcement was made during a press conference in Paris, where the calendar for the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship calendar was confirmed, with eight races across four continents.

Qatar 1812

Covering around ‘1812 km’ and lasting under ten hours, the race is named after the date of Qatar National Day, a pillar of celebration every year on 18 December (18/12). The name evokes a proud tradition as Qatar opens the 12th season of the prestigious global endurance series for the first time and strengthens its standing in the world of motorsports events.

Against the backdrop of the newly redesigned 5.418-km Lusail International Circuit, Qatar will host both the WEC Prologue in February and the season-opener in March 2024, welcoming the world’s top endurance race drivers and premier brands to showcase the latest Hypercars. The race is a new challenge on the WEC calendar after the FIA World Endurance Championship signed a six-year contract for the race to be hosted in Qatar until 2029.

Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) President Abdul Rahman Bin Abdullatif Al-Mannai said they are pleased to announce Qatar 1812 as the official name for the 2024 FIA WEC Championship race in Lusail. He said that endurance is a trait in Qatar’s very DNA and through these traditions, the country’s legacy continues.

Lusail International Circuit

The announcement comes as upgrades to the Lusail International Circuit near completion. The enhancements will ensure that the circuit offers an exceptional experience for drivers, teams and spectators.

From cutting-edge technology upgrades to race control, media and medical centres, new pit boxes, and expanded fan areas, the upgrade represents a significant milestone in Qatar’s commitment to delivering state-of-the-art facilities for motorsport enthusiasts.

It also reaffirms the status of Lusail International Circuit as an up-and-coming premier destination for motorsports events.

Noting that Qatar will be the 13th country to welcome the WEC since the race started in 2012,

According to FIA WEC CEO Frédéric Lequien, they are very excited to start the 2024 FIA WEC season at Lusail International Circuit. He said they always enjoy bringing the spirit of Le Mans to new territories and the extensive renovations that are currently underway at Lusail will make the WEC season-opener a magical experience for fans coming to Qatar from all over the world.

For more details on upcoming events at Lusail International Circuit, visit lcsc.qa. 

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