The Qatar Grand Prix sits at the centre of the MotoGP title battle, with Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez separated by only two points. Qatar is scheduled to bring the triple-header to a close after it begins this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island.

The continuing conflict in the Middle East has increased the uncertainty, even as MotoGP and Formula 1 maintain that their races in the region will go ahead. If Qatar does not take place, no replacement race has been planned and 37 points would disappear from the contest. Their importance will also depend on what happens at Phillip Island, but in a championship this close, losing those points could have a decisive effect.

A late cancellation decision could bring further questions and fuel conspiracy theories around the championship. Suspicion has already surfaced on social media, where Martin was accused of receiving favourable treatment from MotoGP over an alleged jump start. Footage of the incident showed, however, that the rider had not breached the rules.

The end of an era at Phillip Island

This year’s Australian Grand Prix is scheduled to be the last at Phillip Island before the event moves to Adelaide in 2027. The change has prompted debate about the consequences of removing a historic circuit from the calendar, and whether other iconic venues could eventually face similar decisions.

Meanwhile, the announcement of the 2027 format and fines for riders who miss promotional events have brought the idea of a riders’ union back into focus. The unresolved question is whether the riders themselves can agree to create one and give it a meaningful role in MotoGP.