MotoGP pushes back Qatar GP over regional tensions
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has also begun affecting the world of motorsport. Formula One recently announced the cancellation of its April races that were scheduled to take place in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Now, MotoGP has also confirmed that its race in Qatar will no longer push through as planned in April.
MotoGP confirms that the Qatar Grand Prix, originally scheduled for April, has been postponed to 8 November due to the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
This decision has been taken in close coordination with the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the Promoter and the local authorities in Qatar, with the primary objective of ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and highest‑quality delivery of the event for all participants and attendees.
Following extensive scenario planning and calendar analysis, the revised date has been chosen to ensure minimal disruption to the wider MotoGP schedule. As a result, the Portuguese GP in Portimão will now take place on 22 November, and the season finale in Valencia will move to 29 November, while all other rounds of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship remain unaffected.
-via MotoGP.com
Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai of the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit, said that they respect and support the decision to move the MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar to November 6–8, 2026. He thanked fans, teams, and partners for their understanding and said they look forward to welcoming everyone back to Lusail.
Meanwhile, Jorge Viegas of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) fully supports the rescheduling, emphasizing that the safety of riders, teams, officials, and fans remains the top priority amid the current geopolitical situation.
