MotoGP: Qatar GP stays on 8 November despite the conflict
The newsroomUpdated on October 9, 20263 minMotoGP: Carlos Ezpeleta confirms the Qatar GP at Losail, moved to 8 November, is still planned with safety the priority. Reactions from Bagnaia and Acosta.
Key point
MotoGP is keeping the Qatar Grand Prix on 8 November, but Carlos Ezpeleta admits a decision will be made soon, with safety the absolute priority.
MotoGP is still planning to race at the Qatar Grand Prix at the Losail circuit, moved from 12 April to 8 November 2026 because of the armed conflict in the Middle East. Deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta repeated in Indonesia that the organisation intends to go, but that "a decision will be made soon".
What MotoGP says
Carlos Ezpeleta stressed one point: the safety and well-being of staff and fans is the number one priority. The situation is being monitored closely and contingency plans are being prepared with the teams and promoters. He recalled the Valencia precedent in 2024: after flooding, a race was organised in Barcelona within 10 days. No deadline has been given for the final decision.
To make room for Qatar, the Portuguese and Valencia Grands Prix, which close the season, were pushed back by a week. Qatar would be the last leg of a triple-header with Australia and Malaysia, a format the teams dislike.
Riders defer to the organisers
- Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati): if safety is truly the priority, every aspect must be considered, and waiting may be worthwhile if conditions are not right.
- Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha, future Honda rider): he is not worried and sees it as "just one more race".
- Álex Márquez (Gresini): he already has a ticket but does not yet know whether he will travel.
- Pedro Acosta (KTM): he feels he has no choice and will go if the team buys him a ticket.
Several riders are looking to Formula 1. According to Crash.net, Stefano Domenicali said F1 will race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi as planned.
What it means for the title
According to Crash.net, Jorge Martín and Marc Márquez are separated by only two points in the championship. Losing a round would remove 37 points from the table. The calendar is tight: the end-of-season test on 1 December is the first public outing for the 850cc bikes, leaving little room for an extra race. A possible replacement could be held on 13-15 November, at a venue with easy travel links to Portugal.
Contractually, again according to Crash.net, MotoGP could drop Qatar without replacing it. The paddock is due in Doha in a little under a month, so the decision will be watched closely.
Frequently asked questions
Is the MotoGP Qatar GP still going ahead?
For now, yes. MotoGP has kept the 8 November 2026 date at Losail while monitoring the situation closely.
Why was the Qatar GP postponed?
Because of the armed conflict in the Middle East: the race planned for 12 April was moved to 8 November.
What happens if Qatar is cancelled?
According to Crash.net, a replacement race could be held on 13-15 November, but it would need a venue with easy travel links to Portugal.
Sources
- Motorsport.com — Les pilotes résignés face au GP du Qatar
- Motorsport.com — MotoGP riders resigned to Qatar GP
- Crash.net — Is MotoGP Qatar going ahead?
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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