Report claims Qatar MotoGP could be scrapped with no replacement
This year’s Qatar MotoGP could be cancelled with no replacement as a result of the deteriorating geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
Following recent reports that MotoGP could replace the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix with another venue, The Race is now reporting that the event might be scrapped with no replacement.
Tensions still remain very high in the Middle East, and with November’s race fast approaching, time is running out for MotoGP to make a decision.
Said decision looks as though it could come in the form of a complete cancellation of the Qatar GP, rather than arranging a replacement.
The Qatar MotoGP was due to take place in April when the 2026 schedule was first announced, however, it was then moved to November following the outbreak of hostilities between Iran and the United States.
A replacement in Europe would have been the most likely outcome, with the championship currently set to race at Portimao and Valencia following the Qatar GP.
Reducing this season’s championship by one round could also play a major role in determining the title race, which currently involves Jorge Martin, Marco Bezzecchi, Ai Ogura, and nine-time world champion Marc Marquez.
While the ongoing situation in the Middle East looks set to impact this year’s event, it could also dictate how the 2027 calendar is constructed.
New MotoGP Deputy CEO, Carlos Ezpeleta, said this about next year’s calendar ahead of this weekend’s Aragon MotoGP:
“So, the 2027 calendar is nearly set. We're obviously waiting to see how the situation in the Middle East evolves, because that would also affect next year's calendar.
“And we're probably three weeks away from being able to announce [it]. I'd say that this year, we have such an incredible season, and the outcome of the story is so important on all sides that we want to really give the teams and the riders sufficient headspace to think about how they're managing the season.”
Ezpeleta also went on to say that fans can expect two new events in 2027, which should create even more excitement alongside the new set of regulations.
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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.
