Qatar MotoGP postponed to November

Middle East conflict prompts Lusail calendar shift with Portimão and Valencia also reshuffled

MotoGP has postponed the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix, shifting the Lusail event from its original April slot to 8 November amid what the championship described as the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East.

The series said the change was made in coordination with the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the event promoter and local Qatari authorities, with rider, team and spectator safety cited as the primary factor. MotoGP added that the move is intended to protect the “safety, wellbeing, and highest‑quality delivery” of the round for all involved.

With Qatar now set to run late in the year, MotoGP has also adjusted the final phase of the 2026 calendar following what it called extensive scenario planning and schedule analysis.

Under the updated timetable, the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimão will move to 22 November, while the season finale in Valencia has been pushed back to 29 November. MotoGP said all other rounds on the 2026 MotoGP World Championship calendar remain unchanged.

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP
“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. We also recognise the importance of providing clarity for our fans as early as possible and ticket holders will be given the opportunity to rollover their tickets to the next event.

“I would also like to thank our partners in Portimão and Valencia for their collaboration and flexibility in helping us deliver a smooth transition to the revised calendar. We are confident that the updated schedule will allow us to preserve the quality of the championship while offering fans an exceptional season of racing.”

Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit (LIC)
“The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and Lusail International Circuit (LIC) respect and support the decision of the MotoGP Sport and Entertainment Group 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, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to Lusail International Circuit.”

Jorge Viegas, President of the FIM
“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. We are confident that the updated calendar ensures that the event in Qatar can be delivered in the safest and most professional conditions.”

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