Team Qatar has officially launched its campaign for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking the country's first-ever entry in the race [1].
This debut represents a historic milestone for Qatari motorsport, aiming to showcase the nation's racing capabilities on one of the most prestigious global stages. The entry signals an expansion of Qatar's sporting ambitions into the realm of elite endurance racing.
The event is scheduled to take place from June 10 to 14, 2026 [3] at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France [1]. The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) recently unveiled the driver line-up and the official livery for the team ahead of the competition [3].
Driver Abdulla Al Khelaifi is representing the team in this inaugural effort [1]. The scale of the achievement has left the driver feeling the weight of the moment.
"It doesn’t feel real," Al Khelaifi said [2].
A spokesperson for the QMMF said that the team will make its debut from June 10 to 14 [3]. The spokesperson said the entry marks a landmark moment for Qatari motorsport [3].
Organizers and team members are currently finalizing preparations for the endurance event. The race is known for its extreme demands on both drivers and machinery — a challenge the new Qatari entry must navigate to complete its historic first run [1].
“"It doesn’t feel real."”
Qatar's entry into the 24 Hours of Le Mans reflects a broader strategy to diversify its international sporting profile beyond hosting events. By competing in a high-profile endurance race, the nation seeks to build domestic technical expertise in motorsport and increase its visibility within the global automotive and sporting communities.
