Massimo Rivola supports holding the Qatar Grand Prix, but places that position behind one clear condition: the organisers must judge the event safe. For the Aprilia Racing CEO, that decision leaves teams and riders with only one course of action—travel to Qatar and race. Rivola has also made clear that he wants to go, while questioning why the situation has generated so much turmoil.

The event matters on the championship side as well. With three rounds remaining, Aprilia factory riders Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin are still mathematically in title contention. Bezzecchi is more than 60 points off the lead, while Martin is 44 points behind and is also carrying a broken wrist. Marc Marquez, meanwhile, could secure his 10th world title in Qatar if the race takes place.

The Phillip Island race was cancelled because of bad weather, adding urgency to the debate over the next flyaway round. At the Malaysian Grand Prix, Yamaha withdrew from the Qatar event. MotoGP then stated that the Iwata factory could face sporting sanctions over that decision.

Qatar remains on the scheduled MotoGP calendar. The FIM, however, has not communicated about the event or about possible sporting sanctions for teams and riders who miss it. Rivola’s firm stance therefore sits alongside an unresolved regulatory question, with the governing body yet to clarify how such absences would be handled.