Sports · Motorsport · 3 hrs ago
MotoGP races in Qatar despite rider safety concerns
MotoGP is racing in Qatar this weekend despite conflict in the Middle East.
Most riders had raised safety concerns with the championship promoter in a letter sent during the previous race in Malaysia.
Marc Marquez said he would rather be elsewhere but had to honour his contract, while teammate Francesco Bagnaia said he trusted organisers and local authorities to protect the riders.
Yamaha withdrew its factory team and Pramac, leaving a 20-rider grid.
Broadcaster TNT Sports is reporting remotely, and the Lusail circuit has issued emergency instructions in case of an attack.
The safety concerns have overshadowed Marquez's chance to secure an eighth world title.
Practice is due to begin on Friday at 8:45pm AEDT.
MotoGP is proceeding with its Qatar Grand Prix despite rider safety concerns amid conflict in the Middle East.
Most riders reportedly opposed racing in Qatar and sent a letter to the championship promoter during the Malaysian round.
Yamaha withdrew its factory team and satellite squad Pramac, while the circuit issued emergency shelter guidance before the race.
Marc Marquez said he would rather be elsewhere but was ready to race, while teammate Francesco Bagnaia said he trusted the organisers and government.
Reports differed on the expected grid size, with Speedcafe saying 20 riders and Crash.net saying 18.
- Who
- MotoGP riders and teams, including Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, are involved.
- What
- MotoGP is holding its Qatar Grand Prix despite safety concerns and emergency shelter guidance.
- When
- This weekend; practice was due to begin Friday at 8:45pm AEDT.
- Where
- Lusail circuit, Qatar.
- Why
- The championship is proceeding with the race, while riders have raised concerns about safety amid conflict in the Middle East.
Riders opposed to racing in Qatar
Riders who support or accept racing in Qatar
Racing in Qatar
Riders opposed to racing in Qatar
Most riders reportedly opposed the event and sent a letter to the championship promoter expressing concerns.
Riders who support or accept racing in Qatar
The event is proceeding; Bagnaia said he trusted Dorna, the organisers, IRTA and the government to work for their safety.
Most riders reportedly sent a letter to the championship promoter expressing concerns about racing in Qatar.
Yamaha withdrew its factory team and satellite squad Pramac.
Lusail circuit issued emergency shelter guidelines and general safety protocols.
Practice for the Qatar Grand Prix was scheduled to begin at 8:45pm AEDT.
- Race location
- Lusail circuit, Qatar
- Practice start
- Friday at 8:45pm AEDT
- Yamaha withdrawal
- Factory team and satellite squad Pramac
- Grid size
- Speedcafe reported 20 riders; Crash.net reported 18
- Emergency guidance
- Move to cover, avoid elevators and stay away from glass-fronted buildings
3 sources
What people are saying
I would like to be in another place, but for that reason I arrive on the latest flight possible and I will leave on the earliest flight possible.
I decided to fully trust Dorna [MotoGP Sports and Entertainment Group], the organisers, IRTA and the government.
You came after all. All that fuss, but you’re here in the end.