MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta revealed on Wednesday that staging the Qatar Grand Prix on 12 April will be a difficult task due to the ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East. Despite the challenges, he confirmed there will be no alternate venue arranged for the race, emphasizing the organizers’ commitment to holding the event in Qatar if possible. The MotoGP Qatar GP challenges continue to raise concerns as tensions affect multiple international sporting events in the region.
The escalation of conflict has already forced the World Endurance Championship to postpone its scheduled race at the Lusail International Circuit, with no rescheduled date announced yet. Similar doubts affect Formula 1 races planned for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain later this month, reflecting the broader impact on motorsport calendars.
CEO Ezpeleta Discusses Scheduling Options for the Qatar GP
Speaking at an Estrella Galicia gathering in Madrid, Carmelo Ezpeleta addressed questions surrounding the fourth round of the MotoGP 2026 season. While acknowledging the difficulty of organizing the event on 12 April, he maintained an open stance on the final decision.
“Is there a possibility of racing at another date? Don’t worry. We always have a plan B,”
Ezpeleta said.
“We have to wait — I can’t say right now that we’re not going. We’ve been in talks with Qatar since what happened on Sunday, and we’ll make a decision. It’s difficult for us to go to Qatar on April 12, but I cannot say that we won’t go.”
He also clarified the stance on alternative venues:
“Going somewhere else? Certainly not. Fitting it into the calendar later on? We’re very good at making calendars. We’ll know something soon, obviously. We’re waiting to hear from them. There’s still time.”
Addressing the Shift From Phillip Island to Adelaide Circuit
Another significant topic during the event was MotoGP’s replacement of the Phillip Island circuit with a new venue in Adelaide. Ezpeleta highlighted the safety advantages this change offers, describing Adelaide as a city center location equipped with modern safety features, unlike the previously used Australian venue.
“It’s a safe race — not a street race. We’re going to a fantastic location, in the middle of a city, but with all the safety features. With all the positives of being in a city center, so people can come,”
he explained.
While Ezpeleta expressed regret over losing the iconic Phillip Island track, he reinforced the priority given to rider and event safety.
“I hope we won’t have the wind and rain issues anymore. It’s easy now to say Phillip Island is a beautiful circuit — and it is — but safety comes before everything. Suzuka is beautiful too, and because it’s not safe, we don’t go. Safety is the priority,”
Ezpeleta emphasized.
Focus on Urban Races Close to Population Centers
Ezpeleta reiterated MotoGP’s strategic direction to bring races closer to where fans live, favoring circuits located in or near major cities. He pointed to examples such as Goiania and Buenos Aires as permanent tracks situated within urban areas, aligning with this approach.
“MotoGP is moving toward putting on better and better races, whether urban or not. I do believe we’ll increasingly try to hold them closer to cities. Goiania is a permanent circuit in the center of the city, Buenos Aires as well — that’s the direction,”
he stated.
Despite this trend, Ezpeleta dismissed proposals to host MotoGP events in large capitals such as Madrid, which recently announced a Formula 1 street race, due to strict safety requirements.
“No, in Madrid the safety conditions we require are not in place,”
he clarified.
Wider Implications for Motorsport in the Middle East and Beyond
The ongoing Middle East conflict continues to create a ripple effect across global motorsport events. With races postponed and their futures uncertain—including the Qatar Grand Prix, the WEC opener at Lusail International Circuit, and Formula 1’s Saudi Arabian and Bahrain rounds—organizers face a tense and fluid situation. MotoGP’s decision to hold firm on April 12 without a fallback venue illustrates both the difficulties and determination to maintain the season’s schedule amidst these challenges.
The ultimate outcome of the Qatar GP will have significant implications for the racing calendar, potentially forcing adjustments and influencing how future events are planned in politically sensitive regions. Fans, teams, and stakeholders await further announcements regarding the race date and venue confirmation.
