MOTOGP PLANS NOVEMBER QATAR GP, WITH SAFETY THE TOP PRIORITY

MotoGP is still planning to hold the Qatar Grand Prix on 6-8 November despite the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The race was moved from April after war between the US and Iran broke out in February. Deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta said the championship is “closely monitoring” the situation and remains focused on going to Qatar, while stressing that the safety and wellbeing of staff and fans come first.

The conflict has intensified in recent weeks. An attack on an airport in Riyadh killed three civilians, and several governments are advising against travel to the region. Ezpeleta said MotoGP would keep assessing conditions and work with teams and promoters on safety measures and contingency plans. He did not set a decision deadline, noting that unforeseen changes can be made at short notice: in 2024, the championship moved its finale from Valencia to Barcelona in just 10 days after flooding.

The Qatar event is MotoGP’s first night race and one of the calendar’s most distinctive weekends. Pecco Bagnaia praised its circuit and atmosphere, but urged caution: “If our safety is truly a priority, then we have to carefully consider all aspects.” He added that if conditions are not right, “it’s worth waiting before making a decision.”

Replacing the round would be difficult. Qatar is scheduled to close a triple-header with Australia and Malaysia, and MotoGP has already shifted the Portuguese and Valencia races to accommodate the postponed event. A replacement race could potentially be added in mid-November, but would need to fit around travel to Portugal, team concerns about triple-headers and the 1 December post-season test, when the new 850cc bikes are due to make their first public appearance. Sepang was previously floated as a possible venue for two races, but that now appears unlikely. MotoGP could also cancel Qatar without a replacement under its broadcast contract.

The uncertainty has implications for the championship fight: Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez are separated by just two points, and dropping a round would remove 37 points from the season’s total. The race remains on the schedule for now, with MotoGP continuing to monitor the situation.