MotoGP’s Qatar Grand Prix remains scheduled for November 6–8, and preparations for a race at the circuit are continuing. The date was set after the round was moved from April because of the war between the United States and Iran, which broke out in February. The situation in the Middle East has deteriorated since then, with three civilians killed on Thursday in an attack on an airport in Riyadh.

MotoGP deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta said the championship is watching developments closely and is still planning to go to Qatar. He stressed that the safety and wellbeing of teams, staff and spectators come first. The series is also working with teams and promoters on contingency plans, since unforeseen events can force a rapid change of direction. MotoGP faced a similar emergency in 2024: devastating flooding in Cheste led to the season finale being moved from Valencia to Barcelona, with the new event organised within 10 days.

A crowded calendar leaves few options

MotoGP has less time than Formula 1 to find a replacement if Qatar cannot take place. Stefano Domenicali has said Formula 1 intends to finish its season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, with Imola being prepared as a possible late substitute. MotoGP may instead need the promoter to make the first move if a change is required, partly to avoid a substantial financial penalty. Cancellation without a replacement is considered possible, and the championship could contractually afford to lose the Qatar round without adding another race.

The concern also reaches beyond freight and motorcycles. Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport was due to send staff to Qatar but is not comfortable with that deployment, an issue that could also affect manufacturers and other championship partners. Qatar is due to close a triple-header involving Australia and Malaysia. Sepang had been discussed as a possible venue for two races if Qatar fell through, although that solution is now regarded as unlikely.

MotoGP has already moved the Portuguese and Valencia Grands Prix to make space for the postponed Qatar event, prompting backlash from fans who had arranged travel around the original schedule. A replacement could theoretically be placed on November 13–15, but the venue would need to allow teams to travel efficiently to Portugal the following week. The post-season test on December 1 leaves still less room; it is due to be the first public appearance of the 850cc motorcycles. Teams are also against bringing back triple-headers, which were removed from the calendar last year.

The championship consequences

Pecco Bagnaia has taken a cautious view. He described Qatar as one of the calendar’s most distinctive events because of its night race, circuit and atmosphere, while insisting that every factor should be assessed before a decision if safety conditions are not right. The sporting stakes are substantial. Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez are separated by only two points, and losing Qatar without a replacement would remove 37 points from the title contest. That would significantly alter the margin for error for the two contenders.