MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has insisted the series is still "willing to go" to Qatar in November, despite escalating tensions in the Middle East. The statement comes amid growing uncertainty over the race's fate.
The US-Iran conflict that began in February has caused major disruption to the motorsport calendar. MotoGP was initially scheduled to host the Qatar Grand Prix in April but postponed it to the weekend of 6-8 November due to the conflict, while also pushing back the final two rounds to accommodate the new date. However, uncertainty continues to hang over the Qatar race.
Other motorsport series have already taken decisive action. The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) was forced to move its final two rounds to Europe, while Formula 1's rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix will be staged in Malaysia on 2-4 October. The WRC has also canned its finale in Saudi Arabia, which was due to take place a week after MotoGP's Qatar Grand Prix.
Speaking with DAZN at the Austrian Grand Prix on Saturday, Carmelo Ezpeleta said the intention was still to go to Qatar. "I think so, right now the idea is to go," he replied when asked if MotoGP would be going to Qatar. "We are in constant contact with Qatar; the authorities tell us they are willing to organise it. And if nothing changes radically, the idea is that we will go."
It's worth noting that this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix has Qatar Airways as its title sponsor, which may also be delaying the decision. But with eight rounds to go and Jorge Martin leading the championship by just three points, teams will need an answer soon to understand how many races they will truly have.
A few weeks ago, reports emerged that Qatar won't be replaced if it is cancelled, removing 37 points off the table. It could also have ramifications in other categories, with runaway Moto3 championship leader Max Quilles facing the possibility of his world title being decided in a press release.
The ongoing situation in the Middle East has delayed the release of the 2027 calendar. On the MotoGP calendar for 2027, Ezpeleta added: "Yes, I really think we'll publish the 2027 schedule very soon, more likely next week or immediately after."
The final decision on Qatar is expected to be made soon, and all eyes will be on MotoGP's next move. Meanwhile, fans can follow the latest updates on MotoGP.
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