MotoGP in Qatar in doubt: GP teams still without information

The geopolitical situation in the Middle East has already had a significant impact on international motor racing in 2026. There is also still a big question mark hanging over the Qatar Grand Prix, which has been postponed to 8 November. Officially, both the MotoGP promoter and the local organisers are still planning to hold the race at the Lusail International Circuit.

In the paddock, however, the situation is less clear-cut. According to information from SPEEDWEEK.com, the MotoGP teams have not yet received any concrete new information regarding the Qatar GP and remain in a holding pattern.

There are also signs from Qatar itself that are at least casting doubt on whether the event will go ahead. According to information from sources close to the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, staff involved in organising the event have so far been advised not to book flights for the Grand Prix just yet. A cancellation has by no means been decided, but this caution suggests that even locally, the event is not currently expected to go ahead with any certainty.

Decision to be made before the Asian tour

The conflict between the US, Israel and Iran had previously already had an impact on several international racing series. Officially, MotoGP is still committed to Qatar. “We are continuing to work on this and are in talks with the Qatari government to see whether the race is possible,” explained MotoGP Deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta last weekend in Aragon. “I know that other events in the region have been confirmed in recent days.”

The priority remains to stage the Qatar Grand Prix. At the same time, Ezpeleta acknowledged that alternatives would have to be explored should a trip to Lusail prove impossible.

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Carlos Ezpeleta

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“We are still trying to race in Qatar, and if that isn’t possible, we’ll see whether there’s a Plan B or not. But as I said, the priority remains to race in Qatar,” the Spaniard emphasised.

The decision cannot be delayed much longer. Clarity is needed before the MotoGP circus sets off on its overseas tour to Asia. When asked about a specific deadline, Ezpeleta confirmed: “We will have reached a decision before we set off on the Asian tour.”

Situation in the Middle East also affects the 2027 MotoGP calendar

The uncertainty is not limited to this year’s Qatar Grand Prix. The situation in the Middle East is also playing a role in the finalisation of the 2027 MotoGP calendar. According to Ezpeleta, around 95 per cent of the calendar for the coming season has already been finalised. “We are, of course, waiting to see how the situation in the Middle East develops, as that would also have an impact on next year’s calendar.”

What is certain so far is that the 2027 MotoGP season will begin on 7 March in Buriram. In addition, two new events – Buenos Aires and Adelaide – are being added. The full calendar is due to be published in the coming weeks.

Officially, the Qatar GP remains scheduled for 8 November. Behind the scenes, however, it seems that the race is by no means as certain to go ahead as public statements would suggest. A decision is expected before the start of the Asian tour.