MotoGP announced that next month’s Qatar Grand Prix will no longer take place as scheduled, with the race moved to November due to an escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The event at the Lusail International Circuit had originally been set to host the fourth round of the 2026 season from April 10–12.
However, organisers confirmed on Sunday that the race weekend will instead be held from November 6–8.
The decision came following rising instability across the region after military strikes involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which disrupted travel and forced several sporting events to be cancelled or postponed.
In a statement, MotoGP said the change was made after reviewing multiple scenarios and assessing the impact on the championship calendar.
“This decision was taken with great care and in full coordination with our partners in Qatar and across the paddock,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP.
“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.”
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The revised timetable also impacted the closing stretch of the season, with the Portuguese Grand Prix now being held from November 20-22 and the championship finale in Valencia being pushed back to November 27-29.
MotoGP was not the only series forced to adjust its plans, as Formula One also announced on Saturday that its races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will not take place in April.
