QATAR GP TEAMS GIVEN EMERGENCY SHELTER GUIDANCE
5 Nov 2026·
MotoGP teams and other Qatar Grand Prix attendees have reportedly been given instructions on where to take shelter and how to respond if a national emergency alert is issued during the race weekend.
The document, described by MotoGP journalist Mat Oxley and titled “Internal Shelter Locations”, identifies places around the Lusail paddock that can provide cover. Its seven-step guidance reportedly tells people to seek shelter immediately, avoid using lifts and, if they are at the circuit, go to a solid building agreed by their team. It also warns them not to touch or photograph debris.
Oxley said the document was unprecedented in his 39 years covering the championship. In a post on X, he wrote: “I’ve never been sent a document telling riders, teams, fans etc where to seek shelter in case of military attack.” He called it “unique, a first, historic”, adding that there was “a very good reason” for its existence.
The advice comes as the championship arrives in Lusail amid continuing conflict in the Middle East and months of debate over whether the event should go ahead. Yamaha and its satellite team Pramac are not taking part, citing company-wide travel restrictions for the region. Their absence reduces the grid from 22 riders to 18. MotoGP has maintained that the area is safe enough to host the more than 2,000 people working at the event.
Trackhouse rider Raul Fernandez described a tense atmosphere at the circuit, though he did not expect a major incident during the weekend. “The tension of having a war going on and being caught in the middle of it…” he said, noting that for those working around the paddock, “it’s not the perfect environment”, particularly under the pressure of a race weekend. Fernandez added that recent political changes in the United States had eased concerns: “I think we’ve been very lucky that things have changed a bit politically. In the end, there isn’t as much alarm.”
Marc Marquez also has a major sporting milestone in view: Qatar offers his first opportunity to secure the 2026 title. He has acknowledged, however, that he would rather be elsewhere.