Alkass English
The Qatar Grand Prix, originally scheduled for next month, has been postponed to November because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, MotoGP announced on Sunday.
The race at Lusail International Circuit was set to host the fourth round of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship from April 10 to 12. However, organisers confirmed that the event will now take place on November 8 following adjustments to the season calendar.
In an official statement, MotoGP said the decision was made after careful review of the current geopolitical situation in the region, which has affected travel and logistics across several Gulf countries.
“MotoGP confirms that the Qatar Grand Prix, originally scheduled for April, has been postponed to November 8 due to the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East,” the statement read.
“Following extensive scenario planning and calendar analysis, the revised date has been chosen to ensure minimal disruption to the wider MotoGP schedule.”
The recent escalation in the region, including U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, has disrupted air travel through some of the world’s busiest transit hubs in the Gulf and forced the postponement or cancellation of multiple international sporting events.
As part of the revised calendar, the Portuguese Grand Prix will now be held on November 22, while the season-ending race in Valencia has been moved to November 29.
Aprilia rider Marco Bezzecchi currently leads the championship standings after winning the opening round of the season in Thailand. The next two races on the calendar are scheduled to take place in Brazil from March 20-22, followed by the United States from March 27-29.
The regional situation has also affected Formula One, which announced on Saturday that its races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, originally planned for April, will also be postponed as organisers continue to monitor developments.