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MotoGP postpones the Qatar Grand Prix to November 8 following the conflict in West Asia

KUALA LUMPUR — MotoGP confirmed on Sunday that the Qatar Grand Prix (GP), scheduled to take place this April, has been postponed to Nov 8 due to the geopolitical tensions currently plaguing West Asia.

MotoGP in a statement announced that the decision was made through close coordination with the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM), the organizers and local authorities in Qatar, with the main objective of ensuring the safety, well-being and high-quality organization of the event for all participants and spectators.

“Following extensive scenario planning and calendar analysis, the new dates were chosen to ensure minimal disruption to the overall MotoGP schedule,” the statement said.

Following the move, the Portuguese GP in Portimão will now take place on Nov 22 while the season-ending round in Valencia has been moved to Nov 29, while the other rounds of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship remain unchanged.

MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said ticket holders will be given the opportunity to carry over their ticket allocation to the new event date.

“Our priority is always the safety and well-being of all parties involved in MotoGP, as well as ensuring that each Grand Prix is ​​organised to the highest possible standards,” he said.

Meanwhile, FIM President Jorge Viegas said the governing body fully supports the decision.

“Considering the current geopolitical situation, protecting riders, teams, officials and fans must always be a priority. We are confident that this updated calendar will ensure that the event in Qatar is carried out in the safest and most professional conditions,” he said.

— BERNAMA

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