Qatar MotoGP 2026 in Doubt Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict

MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta says the April race at Lusail may not go ahead as regional airspace disruptions impact global motorsport schedules. 

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The 2026 Qatar round of the MotoGP is facing uncertainty following the escalating conflict in the Middle East, with CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta admitting that the race scheduled for April may not take place as planned. 

A joint military strike launched by the United States and Israel recently triggered retaliatory attacks across the region, leading to significant travel disruption as several Middle Eastern countries closed their airspace. The situation has already impacted international motorsport events, with the FIA World Endurance Championship postponing its 2026 season opener that was scheduled to be held in Qatar. 

The race was originally planned to take place at the Lusail International Circuit on March 28 before the venue was set to host the fourth round of the MotoGP season on April 12. However, Ezpeleta acknowledged that the ongoing situation could affect MotoGP’s plans.

Speaking at an Estrella Galicia 0.0 event in Madrid, Ezpeleta revealed that discussions with Qatar are ongoing and that the championship is currently evaluating its options.

“Would it be possible to return on another date? Don’t worry. We always have a plan B,” he said. “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 also ruled out the possibility of moving the race to a different country should the Qatar event be cancelled.

“Go somewhere else? Definitely not,” he added. “Will it fit into the schedule? We’re really good at making schedules. We’ll know something soon. We’re waiting for them to tell us something and there’s still time.”

The 2026 MotoGP season recently kicked off with Marco Bezzecchi winning the opening race in Thailand, while reigning champion Marc Marquez retired from the race.

The wider motorsport calendar could also be affected by the situation in the Middle East. Formula One is scheduled to hold a double-header in the region in April, with the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix set for April 12 and April 19 respectively.

While those races remain on the calendar for now, Formula One has confirmed that it is closely monitoring the situation in the region. 

For MotoGP, a final decision regarding the Qatar Grand Prix is expected in the coming weeks as organisers continue to assess safety conditions and travel logistics.