QATAR MOTOGP GRAND PRIX EXPECTED TO GO AHEAD AS PLANNED

The MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix is expected to take place on 6-8 November as scheduled, despite heightened tensions in the Middle East. The race was moved from its original April date because of the war in Iran. According to Crash.net, teams have been told they are expected to race in Qatar under current advice from organisers and the government.

Lusail International Circuit has now said preparations for its MotoGP and Formula 1 events are nearing completion. The two races are scheduled three weeks apart, with F1 due to visit on 27-29 November. Circuit CEO Abdulaziz Ali Al-Muhannadi said: “We are looking forward to welcoming the world back to Lusail International Circuit in November for two of the most anticipated events on the international motorsport calendar, just three weeks apart.”

Al-Muhannadi added that venue teams were focused on getting everything ready for fans, saying the visitor experience remained central to preparations. He said the circuit aimed to offer an experience for motorsport fans and families alike, reflecting its commitment to hospitality and organisation.

The update comes amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran and a separate wave of missile attacks on civilian targets in nearby Saudi Arabia by Yemen’s Houthi rebel group. The UK said it was deploying RAF Typhoon jets to help defend Saudi Arabia against escalating missile and drone attacks. Governments have also been updating travel advice for their citizens. Riders are reportedly divided over travelling to the region while the risk of further escalation remains.

The report also cited comments from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem about Formula 1’s planned season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. He said the FIA would not send staff, drivers or officials somewhere it considered unsafe, but added that, based on the situation at the time, both races were set to happen. Asked whether he was comfortable with FIA personnel travelling to the venues, he replied: “I am happy, yes of course.” He pointed to his own presence and family in the UAE as evidence of his confidence, while stressing that he could not predict what might happen later.

Ben Sulayem said the FIA was prepared to respond if circumstances changed, including the possibility of a replacement venue for F1’s finale. Imola is reportedly being prepared as a possible substitute for Abu Dhabi on the first weekend of December if F1 has to cancel its Middle East races. MotoGP, by contrast, has no back-up plan if Qatar is removed from the calendar.

The uncertainty is particularly significant with only two points separating Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin in the standings ahead of the Australian Grand Prix. For now, however, the MotoGP update is that Qatar’s race remains on the calendar as planned.