MotoGP teams notified Qatar Grand Prix will proceed as planned

The MotoGP teams' association has informed outfits of its intention to stage the Qatar Grand Prix in two weeks' time, despite the ongoing instability across the Middle East.

The event was originally scheduled for April, but was pushed back to the weekend of 6–8 November following the escalation of military conflict in Iran in late February.

Although the conflict persists and several European governments advise citizens against non-essential travel to Qatar, local tensions are perceived as less acute than in the initial stages. Championship promoter MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (MGPSEG) considers the safety assurances provided by the Qatari authorities and local organizers fully sufficient to guarantee security. The race is slated to be the final leg of a demanding triple-header, following this weekend's Australian Grand Prix and next week's round in Malaysia.

Two weeks ahead of the paddock build-up at the Lusail International Circuit near Doha, the International Road Racing Teams Association (IRTA) issued an official notice to all entrants confirming the Grand Prix will go ahead. The communication emphasized that the local promoter has established a comprehensive contingency plan aligned with official guidelines. IRTA added that it remains in close contact with relevant embassies, none of which have recommended altering existing plans.

Over recent weeks, championship officials held several meetings with team representatives, consistently defending their stance to proceed with the event. Consequently, a shift in attitude has been observed from Japanese manufacturers Yamaha and Honda, who were initially firmly opposed to deploying staff to a conflict zone.

Yamaha's situation is particularly telling: nearly two months ago, the Japan-based manufacturer instructed its logistics department to arrange alternative flight paths avoiding the affected airspace. It remains to be seen what measures will be taken by individual paddock organizations with internal corporate travel bans regarding high-risk regions.

The riders themselves remain divided on the matter. While the majority have voiced serious concerns regarding travel to Doha, others have raised no objections. According to motorsport.com, approximately three-quarters of the grid would prefer the race to be called off, with the remaining quarter backing the event. The issue is expected to be addressed openly at Phillip Island on Thursday.

During discussions between management and the teams, MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and his deputy Carlos Ezpeleta underlined assurances from the Qatari government that Hamad International Airport continues to operate normally at full capacity.