MOTOGP CONFIRMS QATAR GRAND PRIX WILL GO AHEAD

MotoGP’s Qatar Grand Prix is set to go ahead from November 6 to 8, despite continuing uncertainty over the military conflict in the Middle East. The race was originally scheduled for late March before being moved to November.

At the Indonesian Grand Prix in early October, MotoGP deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta said organisers were proceeding with the event as planned, while stressing that safety came first. “Should there be a change in the situation at short notice, we will react and work with the teams and organisers on a safe plan,” he said, pointing to the cancellation of the 2024 Valencia Grand Prix as an example of how MotoGP had handled a disruption before.

On October 28, the teams’ association IRTA informed teams that the Qatar event would take place. Liberty Media and MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group, which is responsible for staging the race, are proceeding with the plan.

The decision has not removed concerns in the paddock. Riders were asked about the situation at last weekend’s Australian Grand Prix. Ducati’s Marc Marquez declined to comment, while KTM rider Pedro Acosta said he did not know what would happen but would follow the championship’s decision. “I ride for a brand, I ride for a championship, and if they decide to go, we should go,” he said.

The situation remains uncertain, and some riders may be uneasy about travelling to Doha. They are expected to focus on their work at the circuit while the event proceeds.