Sports · Motorsport · 7 hrs ago
Ducati says Márquez wants safety guarantees for Qatar MotoGP race
The Qatar MotoGP race at Losail remains uncertain less than two weeks before it is due to take place, amid war in the Middle East.
Ducati team boss Davide Tardozzi says Marc Márquez has not refused to race in Qatar.
He says Márquez has asked organizers for a safety plan and evacuation guarantees before the event.
Tardozzi says some riders who criticized the trip in private have stayed silent in meetings with organizers.
He also says teams, not riders, make the final decision because teams hold the contracts with organizers.
Tardozzi says the team will go if safety conditions and an evacuation plan are in place.
Ducati team chief Davide Tardozzi said Marc Márquez has asked for safety guarantees before the MotoGP race in Qatar.
Tardozzi said Márquez wants an evacuation plan and other measures to ensure the race can take place safely, not to refuse to race.
The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for 6–8 November at Losail, but its status remains uncertain amid conflict in the Middle East.
Tardozzi said other riders had voiced stronger opposition privately but stayed silent in meetings with the organiser.
He said teams, which hold contracts with the organiser, should be consulted when decisions are made.
- Who
- Ducati team chief Davide Tardozzi defended rider Marc Márquez.
- What
- Tardozzi said Márquez had asked for safety guarantees, including an evacuation plan, for the Qatar MotoGP race.
- When
- The race is scheduled for 6–8 November 2026. Tardozzi spoke after the Australian Grand Prix weekend.
- Where
- The race is scheduled for the Losail International Circuit in Qatar.
- Why
- The race’s status is uncertain amid conflict in the Middle East, and riders have raised concerns about safety.
MotoGP riders seeking safety guarantees
MotoGP organisers planning to proceed with the Qatar race
Aspect
MotoGP riders seeking safety guarantees
MotoGP riders seeking safety guarantees
MotoGP organisers planning to proceed with the Qatar race
MotoGP organisers planning to proceed with the Qatar race
Race plans
MotoGP riders seeking safety guarantees
Riders asked for guarantees before travelling to Losail, and three quarters of the grid had privately opposed the trip, according to Motorsport.com España.
MotoGP organisers planning to proceed with the Qatar race
The organisation had reaffirmed its intention to travel to Qatar despite the tense situation.
Safety
MotoGP riders seeking safety guarantees
Tardozzi said riders sought an evacuation plan and conditions to ensure they could race safely.
MotoGP organisers planning to proceed with the Qatar race
Not stated
Márquez said, “There are many races; there is only one life,” when discussing Qatar.
Márquez declined to give his opinion on the Qatar issue, and riders met with the championship organisation to seek guarantees.
Riders asked promoters for guarantees, according to MARCA.
The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled to take place at Losail.
- Race dates
- 6–8 November 2026
- Circuit
- Losail International Circuit, Qatar
- Ducati team chief
- Davide Tardozzi
- Rider at centre of remarks
- Marc Márquez
- Safety measures requested
- Evacuation plan, plan B and guarantees for safe racing
3 sources
What people are saying
He has not said: ‘I don’t want to go.’
Let’s try to mediate on the matter, set out situations that guarantee an evacuation, a plan B, and all the conditions for us to race safely.
The only one who has the courage to speak.
There are many races; there is only one life.