Middle East crisis could cause Qatar MotoGP postponement until late 2026
The Qatar Grand Prix, which is scheduled to host round four of the 2026 MotoGP season, is in doubt due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has confirmed talks are ongoing with officials of the Qatar Grand Prix, due to the recent attacks by the US and Israel, in the Middle East.
The Qatar MotoGP is scheduled to take place on 10-12 April at the Lusail International Circuit, but Ezpeleta has confirmed the event is now at risk.
Strikes from United States and Israeli forces on Iran have forced retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Iran’s forces. The attack began last weekend and has continued this week. As a result, the ongoing war has led to global travel disruption due to airspace closures in the Middle East.
The World Endurance Championship (WEC), which was set to begin its 2026 campaign in Lusail on 28 March, has already postponed the season-opener.
Now, Ezpeleta has, for the first time, admitted the race may not go ahead although that could simply mean a postponement, rather than an outright cancellation.
That being said, Ezpeleta also admitted the Qatar GP will not be replaced by another venue, if it does indeed fail to stage the race in Lusail this year.
Speaking at an Estrella Galicia 0.0 event in Madrid earlier this week, Ezpeleta said:
“Would it be possible to return on another date? Don't worry. We always have a plan B. 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.”
Ezpeleta then added:
“Go somewhere else? Definitely not. 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.”
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
