The Qatar Grand Prix remains scheduled for 6–8 November 2026, but it is approaching in a highly unsettled environment. The conflict in the Middle East, described in the report as ongoing since 28 February, has already shaped the position of some riders, who have said they do not want to race in the country.

The concerns now extend to team staff. Alessio Salucci, head of VR46 Racing Team, said he had been told that one person from his squad would not travel to Qatar the following week. He made clear that the individual is not a rider. Salucci also described the situation as unsafe and argued that the issues involved go beyond the normal boundaries of work and sport.

Riders push for a common position

The dispute over the race has also encouraged MotoGP riders to seek greater unity. Enea Bastianini and Alex Marquez have discussed the possibility of some form of collective representation, which they believe could also benefit riders who enter the championship in the future. No formal union has been established so far.

The VR46 member’s identity has not been made public, and there is no public confirmation of further personnel absences. The Qatar race therefore remains on the calendar, while the safety debate reaches beyond the riders and into the teams’ own staff.