MOTOGP BOSS SAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX IS STILL PLANNED FOR NOVEMBER

MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta says the series is still aiming to stage the Qatar Grand Prix as scheduled in November, despite the renewed uncertainty created by escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Speaking at the Austrian Grand Prix, Ezpeleta said the “idea is to go” to Qatar for the race on 8 November. When asked directly whether MotoGP would travel to the country, he replied: “I think so, right now the idea is to go.” He added that MotoGP is in ongoing dialogue with Qatari authorities, stating, “We are in constant contact with Qatar; the authorities tell us they are willing to organise it,” and concluded: “And if nothing changes radically, the idea is that we will go.”

The comments come after a difficult period for motorsport events across the region. This year, the conflict has already forced major changes: the Formula 1 race in Saudi Arabia was cancelled, while the Bahrain Grand Prix was moved to Malaysia. MotoGP’s own Qatar event was originally due to take place in April, but was postponed to the weekend of 6–8 November because of the same wider situation, with the final two rounds also pushed back to accommodate the new dates.

Even with the revised November slot in place, Ezpeleta’s latest remarks suggest the Qatar round remains under watch. Crash.net reported that a decision on whether Qatar will be included in the 2026 schedule is expected soon, highlighting how close teams are to needing clarity on how many races they will actually have.

Other series have also been affected in parallel. Crash.net noted that the FIA World Endurance Championship had planned its Bahrain finale on the same weekend as MotoGP’s Qatar event, but moved its final two rounds to Europe. It also reported that Formula 1’s rescheduled Bahrain event will be staged in Malaysia on 2–4 October, and that the WRC has cancelled its Saudi Arabia finale, which was due to be held a week after MotoGP’s Qatar race.

Ezpeleta’s comments also underline the knock-on effects beyond MotoGP. The ongoing situation has delayed the release of the 2027 calendar. However, he indicated that MotoGP expects to publish its 2027 schedule soon, saying: “Yes, I really think we’ll publish the 2027 schedule very soon, more likely next week or immediately after.”

With the championship nearing its later stages, the timing of any Qatar confirmation is particularly important. Crash.net pointed out that with eight rounds remaining and Jorge Martin leading the standings by just three points, teams will need answers quickly to understand the full calendar picture. The same report referenced earlier claims that if Qatar were cancelled, it would not be replaced—removing 37 points from the table—an outcome that could also influence other categories. It specifically mentioned Moto3 leader Max Quilles and the possibility that his title could be decided via a press release if the final races are altered.

Finally, while the Qatar decision remains pending, the reporting also noted that this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix has Qatar Airways as its title sponsor, which may be contributing to the timing of the announcement. For now, Ezpeleta’s message is clear: MotoGP is still preparing on the assumption it will go to Qatar in November unless circumstances change.