Sports · Motorsport · 58 mins ago
Qatar MotoGP teams receive emergency shelter instructions amid security fears
Teams and staff at Qatar’s Lusail circuit received emergency shelter instructions ahead of the MotoGP weekend, which runs through Sunday, November 8.
The guidance says people should stay calm, avoid windows and seek shelter if an alarm sounds.
At the circuit, teams should go to designated sturdy buildings, while people outside or in vehicles should reach the nearest building or lie down and protect their heads.
Hotel guests are told to use stairs to reach safe areas, or find an interior spot away from windows.
People must remain sheltered for at least ten minutes or until the all-clear, and should not touch or photograph debris.
The precautions come amid rising tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, and Yamaha has withdrawn from the race over security concerns.
The effect on the F1 races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi is uncertain, but F1 says it plans to keep its schedule and is in contact with authorities.
Teams and paddock staff at Qatar’s Lusail circuit received emergency shelter instructions ahead of the MotoGP weekend amid security fears.
The protocol tells people to seek shelter immediately, avoid windows and stay away from debris.
Yamaha withdrew from the race, leaving four bikes off the grid, while safety concerns had also prompted riders to question traveling to Qatar.
The race is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, after being postponed from April.
The articles give differing accounts of the withdrawals: one says Yamaha withdrew, while another says Yamaha and Pramac factory teams withdrew.
- Who
- MotoGP teams, riders and paddock staff received the safety instructions.
- What
- Emergency shelter procedures were distributed for a possible military attack during the race weekend.
- When
- The instructions were distributed ahead of the weekend beginning Friday, November 6; the race is scheduled for Sunday, November 8.
- Where
- Lusail International Circuit and hotels in Qatar.
- Why
- The instructions were issued amid security concerns linked to escalating tensions and conflict in the Middle East.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
U.S. forces attacked Iran’s Qeshm Island as teams were traveling to Doha.
The shelter document posted by Mat Oxley was dated.
Teams were reportedly sent emergency shelter locations and safety protocols.
The Qatar MotoGP race weekend began.
The MotoGP race was scheduled to take place.
- Circuit
- Lusail International Circuit, Qatar
- Race date
- Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Shelter period
- At least 10 minutes or until an all-clear signal
- Withdrawals
- Yamaha withdrew; GPFans also reports that Pramac’s factory team withdrew
- Grid impact
- Four bikes absent from the starting grid, according to GPFans
3 sources
What people are saying
The only fear we might have is that they’ll close the airport. But I trust them, and I want to continue to do so.
I feel that here we don’t have to be afraid of a bombing
For that reason, I arrived on the latest flight possible, and I will leave on the earliest flight possible.
Posts on X
Lusail Circuit publishes emergency shelter locations & general safety protocols in case of attack during Qatar #MotoGP If there is an alert, stay calm and do this: 1. Move to cover right away. No need to look out the window or film; just go. 2. At the hotel, day or night: take