MotoGP Qatar: Bagnaia identifies airport closure as biggest safety fear
Bagnaia has given an honest assessment of the situation (Photo: Monster Media)
Connor Andrews is Formula 1 and MotoGP writer for GPblog and various outlets. Having worked in motorsport for 15 years for leading companies, he has interviewed the sports biggest names and attended multiple Grands Prix.
Francesco Bagnaia has admitted his biggest safety fear at the Qatar Grand Prix revolves around the use of the airport.
The Ducati rider will be taking part in the Lusail event despite rivals Yamaha and much of the media pulling out over safety concerns.
Bagnaia’s championship-leading teammate Marc Marquez is believed to be one of the most vocal voices against the Qatar race, although he kept his views out of the public domain up until Thursday’s media session.
Bagnaia is believed to be in the group of 19 riders who did not want to travel, but has confirmed his fears have been eased by the organisers.
Ducati rider explains why he trusts Qatar race organisers
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Speaking ahead of taking to the track on Friday, the two-time MotoGP champion said: “It’s exactly as I expected.
“It’s true that I was a little worried. I can’t hide how I felt before arriving here, but I decided to fully trust Dorna, the organizer, IRTA, and the government.
“I think they are all working for our safety and have provided us with practically everything we’ve asked for.
“We have to work together; it’s better to do it that way, and I think it’s the right thing to do.”
The Italian then went on to specify that he’s not afraid of an attack, despite some team hotels being on a list of Iranian targets.
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However, he did reveal the biggest concern among the riders.
Bagnaia identifies airport closure as biggest Qatar Grand Prix fear
Bagnaia added: “I expected the atmosphere in the paddock to be like a normal weekend because there’s nothing… I feel that here we don’t have to be afraid of a bombing.
“The only fear we might have is that they’ll close the airport. But I trust them, and I want to continue to do so.”
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Despite Bagnaia's confidence, Ducati teammate Marquez gave a hint about the tension during his media appearance.
Asked if he was worred to be in Qatar, he said: “I mean, I would like to be in another place.
“For that reason, I arrived on the latest flight possible, and I will leave on the earliest flight possible. But we are here, we are ready to race, and with full concentration.”
Bagnaia is a five-time podium sitter and also said he has high hopes for the weekend despite 2026 being his worst MotoGP season.
He explained: “I love this circuit. I’ve always done well on this track. It’s one of the best circuits for Ducati.
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“The asphalt seems similar to Brno, so perhaps my grip issues will be less pronounced. I’m quite confident that, if we work well with the team, we can secure a top-six finish.”
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