MotoGP Postpones Qatar Grand Prix to November Amid Middle East Situation

Revised 2026 calendar sees Lusail race moved to November 8, with Portugal and Valencia rounds also rescheduled.

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MotoGP has officially confirmed that the Qatar Grand Prix will be postponed to 8 November 2026, following concerns related to the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East. 

The race was originally scheduled to take place in April at the Lusail International Circuit. The decision to reschedule the event was made in close coordination with the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the MotoGP promoter and local authorities in Qatar.

According to MotoGP organisers, the move prioritises the safety, wellbeing and overall event quality for riders, teams, officials and fans.

Following extensive discussions and calendar planning, the championship has adjusted several late-season races to accommodate the change. With the Qatar round now set for November 6–8, the Portuguese Grand Prix at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve will move to 22 November, while the season finale in Circuit Ricardo Tormo will take place on 29 November. All other rounds in the 2026 MotoGP World Championship calendar will remain unchanged.

Carmelo Ezpeleta said the decision was made carefully with full cooperation from partners across the championship.

He explained that the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in MotoGP remains the top priority, while organisers also want to ensure every Grand Prix is delivered to the highest standard. Ezpeleta also noted that ticket holders will be given the option to transfer their tickets to the new event date.

He also expressed appreciation to organisers in Portimão and Valencia for their flexibility in adjusting the calendar to ensure a smooth transition.

Meanwhile, Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, who leads the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit, said the local organisers respect and support the decision to move the event.

He thanked fans, teams and partners for their understanding and said the organisers look forward to welcoming the MotoGP paddock back to Lusail later in the year.

Jorge Viegas added that the FIM fully supports the decision, emphasising that safeguarding riders, teams, officials and fans must always come first.

With the revised schedule in place, MotoGP believes the championship will still deliver an exciting and uninterrupted 2026 season, while ensuring the Qatar round can be held under the safest possible conditions.