The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has cast a shadow over the MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix, though there are currently no plans to slot in a replacement if it doesn’t go ahead.
Qatar first appeared on the MotoGP calendar back in 2004 and has been a regular fixture ever since. But with the situation in the region worsening, there’s now real uncertainty surrounding all sporting events scheduled to be held there.
The World Endurance Championship has already announced that its 2026 season opener, which was set for Lusail International Circuit, will not take place. This decision naturally raises questions about whether MotoGP will follow suit, especially with its event slated for April 10-12.
MotoGP chief Carmelo Ezpeleta has since moved to calm any growing panic among fans by confirming that Qatar will not disappear from next year’s schedule altogether.
Carmelo Ezpeleta rules out a replacement for the Qatar GP, but expects the race to be rescheduled
Ezpeleta, speaking to Motorsport Espana at an Estrella Galacia 0.0 event in Madrid, acknowledged that resolving the Qatar GP won’t be straightforward but remains confident that it will happen eventually.
“Would there be a possibility of returning on another date? Don’t worry. We always have a plan B,” he said.
He went on: “We have to wait; I can’t say now that we’re not going. We’ve been talking with Qatar since what happened on Sunday, and we’ll make a decision. It’s unlikely we’ll go to Qatar on April 12th, but I can’t say we’re not going.”
Argentina had been mentioned as a possible stand-in for Qatar, with Termas de Rio Hondo reportedly open to stepping in. The Argentine GP was dropped from the schedule after 2025, replaced by the Brazilian round.
Ezpeleta dismissed talk of a replacement: “Going somewhere else? Definitely not. Will it fit into the schedule later? We’re very good at making schedules. We’ll know something soon, obviously. We’re waiting for them to tell us something. There’s still time.”
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