QATAR GP PRESS CONFERENCE PUSHED BACK FOUR HOURS

MotoGP has pushed back Thursday’s Qatar Grand Prix press conference by four hours, with the event now due to begin at 8pm local time in Lusail rather than 4pm. The change follows reports that several riders will reach Qatar later than usual, amid growing unease over the decision to hold the race during continuing conflict in the Middle East.

The schedule adjustment is expected to have little effect on the race weekend itself, but it reflects the unusual circumstances surrounding the event. Riders have spent weeks seeking assurances from MotoGP on safety arrangements, including evacuation plans, insurance and liability. Reports during the Malaysian Grand Prix said 19 of the 22 riders had signed a letter to MotoGP Group expressing opposition to the Qatar race.

Some riders have also made their objections public. Jack Miller will not compete after Yamaha withdrew from the weekend following the Malaysia round. Alex Marquez is set to miss Qatar while recovering from surgery on his right shoulder, while Joan Mir’s participation is uncertain after recurring vision problems forced him out of the Malaysian event. Mir had previously missed four races because of the issue.

Raul Fernandez, Fermin Aldeguer and Jorge Martin had all been considered doubtful, but are expected to travel to Qatar and attempt to ride. Fernandez and Martin remain concerns after both withdrew partway through the Sepang weekend.

Other riders have indicated they intend to arrive as late as possible. Pedro Acosta went to Bali after Malaysia, while championship leader Marc Marquez returned to Spain after his victory and said he would not reach Qatar until Thursday evening. Italian outlet GPOne reported that riders’ late arrivals prompted the press conference delay.

The revised timetable is another sign of the exceptional conditions in which this year’s Qatar Grand Prix is set to take place, even as preparations for the race continue.