US STRIKE ON IRANIAN ISLAND ADDS TENSION AS MOTOGP TRAVELS TO QATAR

MotoGP’s Qatar round is scheduled for 5–8 November, with practice due to start three days after reports emerged of a US strike on Iran’s Qeshm Island. The island lies in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway in the conflict. Reuters and the Associated Press reported that the attack targeted Iranian surface-to-air missile capabilities; the Wall Street Journal said it was among several strikes on Iran in recent weeks that had not previously been made public.

The latest escalation adds to uncertainty surrounding the race. The Qatar event was moved from its original April date to November after the US-Israeli war on Iran began in February. Concerns about the security situation have been voiced within the paddock, including by riders, while reports last week suggested the US and Israel were preparing to resume their offensive.

Five of MotoGP’s six manufacturers are currently expected to compete at Lusail. Yamaha has confirmed it will not take part, announcing its decision after last weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix. MotoGP publicly criticised the withdrawal in a statement on Sunday. The other manufacturers are due to travel to Qatar this week.

No rider or team quotes about the latest strike were included in the source report.