The MotoGP in Qatar is set to go ahead – Ezpeleta has sent a clear message

Whilst the MotoGP riders were carrying out their press engagements at the Sepang International Circuit on Thursday afternoon and also held a meeting with Carmelo Ezpeleta to discuss the situation in Doha, his son, Carlos Ezpeleta, was on an important mission on behalf of the MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group and paid a visit to officials at the Losail International Circuit in Doha.

The aim was to make it clear that the event can go ahead safely from 6 November. The floodlit Desert Grand Prix, which was postponed by almost seven months from April due to the delicate situation in the Persian Gulf, is scheduled to take place on 8 November. The decision-makers in Qatar were delighted by the flying visit from Carlos Ezpeleta, who was accompanied by PR man Michael Gibson and FIM officials.

“We are delighted to have welcomed Carlos Ezpeleta here at the Losail International Circuit. The countdown is on and we are ready to welcome the riders, teams and fans back to Qatar,” said Abdulrahman Al Mannai, managing director of the Qatar Social and Sports Contribution Fund.

Qatar: Concerns in Formula 1 too

Ezpeleta’s visit also sent an important signal to Formula 1, which, like MotoGP, is owned by the US group Liberty. Uncertainty also prevails in the premier class of four-wheeled racing regarding the staging of the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi to round off the season in late November and early December.

Back to MotoGP. As numerous governments continue to issue travel warnings for this region, the Yamaha and Honda works teams are planning to send minimal contingents to Qatar. At a recent meeting in Australia, the riders had demanded various guarantees which, in Liberty’s view, can only be provided by the Qatari government.

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31.10.2026 - 01:35

Carlos Ezpeleta

Foto: Gold & Goose