MotoGP Reschedules Qatar Grand Prix to November Amid Ongoing Middle East Geopolitical Situation

MotoGP has confirmed that the Qatar Grand Prix, originally scheduled for April, has been postponed and will now take place on 8 November 2026 due to the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East. The decision was made following close consultation between the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the MotoGP promoter, and local authorities in Qatar, with the safety and wellbeing of riders, teams, officials, and fans remaining the top priority.

Organisers explained that the move was taken to ensure the event can be delivered under the safest and most stable conditions possible while maintaining the high standards expected of a MotoGP Grand Prix. After extensive scenario planning and calendar analysis, the revised November date was selected as the most practical solution with minimal disruption to the rest of the championship.

The change does, however, affect the final stretch of the 2026 MotoGP calendar. With Qatar moving to November, the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimão will now be held on 22 November, while the traditional season finale in Valencia shifts to 29 November. All other rounds of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship remain unchanged.

MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta emphasised that the decision was taken with careful consideration and full collaboration across the paddock and with partners in Qatar. He reiterated that ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in the championship remains the organisation’s primary responsibility, while also ensuring that each Grand Prix is delivered at the highest possible level.

Ezpeleta also acknowledged the importance of providing clarity to fans as early as possible. Ticket holders for the Qatar event will be given the option to roll over their tickets to the rescheduled race weekend. He further thanked the organisers in Portimão and Valencia for their cooperation and flexibility in adjusting their race dates to accommodate the revised calendar, ensuring the championship can continue to deliver a smooth and competitive season.

Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit, confirmed that the local organisers respect and support the decision taken by the MotoGP Sport and Entertainment Group. He expressed appreciation for the understanding shown by fans, teams, and partners, while looking forward to welcoming the MotoGP paddock back to Lusail International Circuit for the rescheduled event from 6–8 November 2026.

FIM President Jorge Viegas also voiced his support for the decision, noting that the current geopolitical climate makes it essential to prioritise the safety of everyone involved in the championship. He added that the updated calendar provides confidence that the Qatar round can still be delivered in the safest and most professional conditions later in the year.

Despite the reshuffle at the end of the calendar, the rest of the 2026 MotoGP season remains intact, ensuring fans can still look forward to a full championship campaign before the title fight reaches its climax in the closing rounds in Portimão, Qatar, and Valencia.