MotoGP has postponed the Qatar Grand Prix, originally scheduled for April, to November 8 due to the ongoing geopolitical situation in West Asia.
The decision was taken in coordination with the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), MotoGP’s promoter and local authorities in Qatar, with the aim of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of riders, teams, officials and fans.
Following extensive scenario planning and analysis of the racing calendar, MotoGP confirmed that the revised date was chosen to minimise disruption to the overall championship schedule.
As a result of the change, the Portuguese Grand Prix in Portimão will now take place on November 22, while the season-ending race in Valencia has been moved to November 29. All other rounds of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship remain unchanged.
MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said the decision was taken carefully and in consultation with partners.
“This decision was taken with great care and in full coordination with our partners in Qatar and across the paddock. Our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in MotoGP, as well as ensuring that every Grand Prix is delivered to the highest possible standard,” Ezpeleta said.
He added that fans who have already purchased tickets will be able to roll them over to the rescheduled event.
Ezpeleta also thanked organisers in Portimão and Valencia for adjusting their race dates to accommodate the revised calendar.
Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit, said the federation supports the decision to move the race to November.
“The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit respect and support the decision to postpone the MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar to November 6-8, 2026. We sincerely thank our fans, teams and partners for their understanding and ongoing support,” he said.
FIM President Jorge Viegas also backed the decision, citing the importance of safety.
“The FIM fully supports the decision to reschedule the Qatar Grand Prix. Considering the current geopolitical situation, safeguarding our riders, teams, officials and fans must always come first,” Viegas said.
The development comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia following military operations and retaliatory actions involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
The escalation followed joint military strikes by the US and Israel on February 28 that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with several senior leaders of the Islamic Republic.
In response, Iran launched counter-strikes targeting American military bases in several Arab countries and Israeli assets in the region. Israel, along with the US, has continued strikes on Tehran while also expanding operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah and Iranian-backed militant groups.
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