Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Qatar Pushes Ahead With November MotoGP and Formula One Races
Qatar wants to hold two major racing events in November.
MotoGP is planned for November 8, and Formula One is planned for November 29.
Both races would take place at the Lusail circuit near Doha.
Qatar says the country is safe and operating normally.
It also says its airport is fully operational and preparations are continuing.
However, the region has been affected by conflict, so the situation could change.
Formula One will make a final decision by mid-September.
Another racing championship has already cancelled its Qatar event.
Qatar says it remains committed to hosting November’s MotoGP and Formula One races at Lusail.
MotoGP is scheduled for November 8, while the Qatar Formula One Grand Prix is set for November 29.
Formula One will decide by mid-September whether its Qatar race can proceed.
Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation President Abdul Rahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai said preparations are continuing and the airport is fully operational.
The World Endurance Championship has cancelled its October 24 Qatar round amid continuing regional uncertainty.
- Who
- Qatar, the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, MotoGP, and Formula One.
- What
- Qatar is continuing preparations to host November’s MotoGP and Formula One races despite regional uncertainty.
- When
- MotoGP is scheduled for November 8, Formula One for November 29, and Formula One’s decision is due by mid-September.
- Where
- The races are planned for the Lusail circuit near Doha, Qatar.
- Why
- Qatar says it is operating normally and wants to remain ready, but regional conflict means the events’ status remains uncertain.
Qatar and race preparations
Regional uncertainty and scheduling risks
Whether events can proceed
Qatar and race preparations
Qatar says it is safe, operating normally, and continuing preparations for MotoGP and discussions with Formula One.
Regional uncertainty and scheduling risks
Formula One says it will wait until mid-September to make a final decision, while the regional situation remains fluid and unpredictable.
Evidence from other racing events
Qatar and race preparations
Qatar argues that preparations are progressing and that it must remain ready to host the races.
Regional uncertainty and scheduling risks
The World Endurance Championship has already cancelled its Qatar round, showing that some organizers have taken a more cautious approach.
Importance of the Gulf races
Qatar and race preparations
The races are significant events for Qatar and contribute to Formula One’s revenues through substantial hosting fees.
Regional uncertainty and scheduling risks
The financial importance does not remove the uncertainty caused by the regional conflict or guarantee that the race will occur.
- MotoGP date
- November 8
- Formula One date
- November 29
- Venue
- Lusail circuit near Doha
- Formula One decision
- Expected by mid-September
- Qatar federation president
- Abdul Rahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai
- Cancelled event
- The World Endurance Championship cancelled its October 24 Qatar round
- Airport status
- Qatar’s airport is described as fully operational, including transit flights between Asia and Europe