Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has reaffirmed that MotoGP still plans to hold the Qatar Grand Prix on November 8, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that have already forced other motorsport events to adjust their schedules.
“I think so, right now the idea is to go,” Ezpeleta told DAZN. “We are regularly in contact with Qatar, the authorities tell us they are willing to organise it, and if nothing changes radically, the idea is that we will indeed go.”
Ezpeleta’s confidence stems from smooth communication with Qatari authorities and no indication of cancellation. However, the shadow of conflict keeps the race’s status under scrutiny, especially after Formula 1 cancelled the Saudi Arabian GP and moved the Bahrain GP to Malaysia.
Impact on Title Fight
Qatar is scheduled as the 20th round of the season. With the championship battle heating up, every point matters. Cancelling a race could shift the balance of power, particularly if the points gap at the top is narrow. Ezpeleta is well aware of these implications.
“We remain in regular contact with senior Liberty Media executives,” he added, also mentioning the success of the Spanish GP at the new Madring last weekend, which underscores Liberty’s commitment to expanding MotoGP’s reach.
The Qatar GP was originally slated for April 12 but was moved to November due to the conflict. MotoGP has not announced any plans to cancel the event. If it goes ahead, it will conclude the Asian tour that begins in Japan in early October.
2027 Calendar Imminent
The confirmation of the Qatar GP also affects the yet-to-be-published 2027 calendar. Ezpeleta expects it to be released very soon, possibly before the Asian tour kicks off.
“Yes, I really think we will publish the 2027 calendar very soon, probably next week or immediately afterwards,” he said. Asked if that meant before the Asian tour, he replied, “I hope so.”
If so, the announcement will give teams and riders clarity for next season and reaffirm Qatar’s solid place on the MotoGP calendar.
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