Andrew McLarneyMotoGP Reporter
Andrew McLarney is an accredited MotoGP reporter with four years experience as a professional writer across the sports and video game industries. His experience as a K1 Premier League competitor evolved into a fascination with all forms of combat sport and eventually motorsport — with MotoGP becoming his primary focus. On top of that he is also an avid follower of MXGP and AMA Supercross/Motocross.
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has weighed in on the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix, stating that it is 'unlikely' the event will proceed as expected.
While no official statement has been made yet to postpone or cancel the event, several other racing leagues including the World Endurance Championship have already cancelled their Qatar events.
This comes amid the ongoing violence in the region, which has spilled over to Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE in recent weeks.
While Qatar's Lusail International Circuit has played host to the opening round of the season in most recent years, this year it is scheduled to take place on 10 - 12 April 2026.
"Stay calm. We always have a plan B. We have to wait. I can't say now that we won't go to Qatar." Said Ezpeleta at the recent Estrella Galicia event in Madrid, "It's difficult for us to go to Qatar on April 12th, but right now I can't say we won't go."
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Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
When asked if the Grand Prix could potentially be moved to a different point in the season, he responded the following way:
"We're good at that. We're excellent at creating calendars."
The Qatar circuit always provides entertaining MotoGP races, such as Rossi's famous 2015 win or the dramatic and controversial race last season which saw Maverick Vinales disqualified from the podium.
So far, no adjustments or alterations have been made to the MotoGP calendar. However, the FIA, which is closely affilliated with the FIM, have stated that they may be forced to cancel the upcoming Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Formula 1 Grand Prixs.
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