MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Carmelo Ezpeleta has confirmed that the 2026 MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit has been postponed due to the escalating security situation in the Middle East. The fourth round of the season had originally been scheduled for April 12 before the championship opted to revise the calendar.
The decision was taken by commercial rights holder Dorna Sports in coordination with local organizers and the championship’s stakeholders. MotoGP has adopted a different approach compared with Formula 1, which cancelled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix entirely in response to the same geopolitical tensions.
Instead of cancelling the event, MotoGP has decided to reschedule the Qatar round. The race at Lusail will now take place on November 8, ensuring that the event remains part of the 2026 FIM MotoGP World Championship calendar.
The calendar adjustment also required changes to two other rounds later in the season. The Portuguese Grand Prix at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão has been moved to November 22, while the season-ending Valencia Grand Prix at Circuit Ricardo Tormo will now take place on November 29.
According to Ezpeleta, the decision was made after careful consideration to ensure the safety of all personnel involved in the championship while preserving the integrity of the MotoGP season.
“This decision was taken with great care and in full coordination with our partners in Qatar and across the paddock,” Ezpeleta said.
“Our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in MotoGP, as well as ensuring that every Grand Prix is delivered to the highest possible standard.”
Ezpeleta also emphasized the importance of providing early clarity to fans. Ticket holders for the Qatar Grand Prix will be offered the opportunity to transfer their tickets to the rescheduled event later in the year.
“I would also like to thank our partners in Portimão and Valencia for their collaboration and flexibility in helping us deliver a smooth transition to the revised calendar. We are confident that the updated schedule will allow us to preserve the quality of the championship while offering fans an exceptional season of racing.”
The revised calendar reflects MotoGP’s flexible approach in managing global geopolitical challenges while maintaining the championship schedule and safeguarding the paddock community.
Photo Gallery
Read Also
Franco Morbidelli highlights the revised 2026 MotoGP calendar after Qatar’s postponement, affecting Portimao and Valencia while maintaining 22 rounds.
Toprak Razgatlioglu’s manager Kenan Sofuoglu says the MotoGP rookie is 99% likely to remain with Pramac in 2027 despite links to Yamaha’s factory team.
VR46 confirms talks with Aprilia over a possible MotoGP 2027 partnership but says the team is close to extending its current deal with Ducati.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!