The MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group has acknowledged that the Qatar Grand Prix, scheduled for April 10–12, faces significant uncertainty due to escalating tensions from the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. Qatar, impacted by regional counter-strikes, has already seen cancellations of major events like the World Endurance Championship’s prologue and season opener in Lusail.
Given the current situation, the future of the Qatar MotoGP event remains unclear. CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta emphasized the tentative status of the race but assured that preparations for alternative plans are underway as the scheduled date approaches.
Plans Under Review as Race Date Nears
Ezpeleta spoke at an event in Madrid, highlighting that negotiations have been ongoing with Qatari officials since Sunday to determine the feasibility of holding the race as planned.
“We have to wait, I can’t say now that we’re not going. We’ve been talking to Qatar since Sunday, and we’ll make a decision. It’s unlikely that we’ll go to Qatar on April 12, but I can’t say that we won’t go,”
he stated.
He ruled out relocating the race to a different venue, underlining the complexity of the MotoGP calendar. Ezpeleta added,
“Would it be possible to return on another date? Don’t worry. We always have a plan B,”
and,
“Will it fit into the schedule? We’re really good at making schedules. We’ll know something soon, obviously. We’re waiting for them to tell us something. There’s still time.”
Potential Alternatives and Upcoming Races
Speculation points to July or August as possible alternative windows for the Qatar Grand Prix, considering the lighter race schedules during these months. Nonetheless, the option of a replacement venue has been dismissed, indicating the event’s strong link to its traditional location in Lusail.
Meanwhile, MotoGP prepares for its next race in Brazil from March 20–22, marking the series’ return to the country after nearly two decades. The championship is currently led by KTM’s Pedro Acosta, following Marco Bezzecchi’s recent grand prix victory in Thailand.
