Sports · Motorsport · 18 hrs ago
MotoGP teams plan to hold Qatar Grand Prix amid regional conflict
MotoGP teams have been told organisers intend to hold the Qatar Grand Prix despite the conflict in the Middle East.
The race is scheduled for 6-8 November at Lusail circuit near Doha, after being postponed from April.
The war in Iran is ongoing, and most European countries advise their citizens to postpone travel to Qatar.
The championship promoter says assurances from Qatari authorities and a local contingency plan support holding the race, and says it is monitoring safety.
Around three-quarters of the riders would prefer not to race in Qatar, while Yamaha and Honda have shifted from earlier opposition to sending staff.
Riders are due to be asked about the issue on Thursday at Phillip Island, while organisers continue to monitor developments.
MotoGP teams have been told that the Qatar Grand Prix is expected to go ahead on 6-8 November despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The race promoter says assurances from Qatari authorities and the local promoter are sufficient to guarantee the event’s safety.
The International Road-Racing Teams Association says the local promoter has prepared a contingency plan and that relevant embassies have not advised changing course.
Most riders are wary of travelling to Doha, and an estimated three-quarters of the grid would prefer not to race there.
Riders are expected to be asked about the issue on Thursday at Phillip Island.
- Who
- The International Road-Racing Teams Association informed MotoGP teams. The championship promoter is planning to stage the race.
- What
- The Qatar Grand Prix is expected to go ahead despite concerns about the security situation.
- When
- 6-8 November 2026.
- Where
- Lusail circuit, near Doha, Qatar.
- Why
- The promoter says assurances from Qatari authorities and the local promoter are sufficient to guarantee safety.
MotoGP promoter and teams association
Riders who prefer to avoid racing in Qatar
Race plans
MotoGP promoter and teams association
The promoter and teams association intend to hold the Grand Prix, citing assurances and a contingency plan.
Riders who prefer to avoid racing in Qatar
Most riders are wary of travelling to Doha; three-quarters of the grid would prefer to avoid racing there.
War broke out in Iran, and the conflict remains ongoing.
The Qatar Grand Prix, originally scheduled for this month, was postponed.
The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled to take place at Lusail.
The teams association informed teams that it intended to press ahead with the race.
Riders are expected to be asked about the issue at Phillip Island.
- Race dates
- 6-8 November
- Circuit
- Lusail, on the outskirts of Doha
- Rider views
- Three-quarters of the grid would prefer to avoid racing in Qatar
- Contingency plan
- Developed by the local promoter
- Airport status
- Qatari government says Hamad International Airport is operating normally and at full capacity
3 sources
What people are saying
We are monitoring the situation closely. We are planning to travel to Qatar but, obviously, the safety and well-being of all personnel and fans is our top priority. We continue to monitor developments,
We are monitoring the situation closely. We are planning to travel to Qatar but, obviously, the safety and well-being of all personnel and fans is our top priority. We continue to monitor developments,