'Qatar MotoGP teams sent emergency protocols in case of attack'
Marquez has taken centre stage in the Qatar debate (Credit: Apex Agency)
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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.
Team members at the Qatar Grand Prix have reportedly been sent a list of protocols in case of an attack at the Lusail circuit.
Yamaha have pulled out of the event over safety concerns, but MotoGP’s other four manufacturers have travelled.
Many media outlets have opted against attending the event and will work remotely amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Some are still on the ground, including broadcaster DAZN, who will be showing a possible title decider between home heroes Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin.
However, the teams have remarkably been sent a guide should an attack occur, according to long-time MotoGP journalist Mat Oxley.
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Seven emergency protocols reportedly circulated to Qatar GP teams
The author published the list of protocols on social media, with seven pieces of advice listed.
They are as follows:
- 1. Move to cover right away. No need to look out the window or film; just go.
- 2. At the hotel, day or night: take the stairs to the hotel’s designated safe area. Don’t use the elevator. If you can’t get there in time, stay on your own floor in the inner area by the stairwell and elevators, away from windows, and sit against an inner wall. If you can’t leave your room, stay low on the side away from the window.
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- 3. At the circuit: go to your team’s agreed solid building. Avoid tents, open paddock areas and glass-fronted buildings.
- 4. Outside: get into the nearest building. If there isn’t one, get low to the ground and cover your head.
- 5. In a vehicle: pull over and go into the nearest building. If there isn’t one, step away from the vehicle, get low and cover your head.
- 6. Stay put for at least 10 minutes, or until the all-clear message, whichever is later.
- 7. After: don’t touch or photograph any debris; report it to local emergency services. Check in with your team or company group so everyone is accounted for.
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A very quiet Lusail paddock was punctured during Thursday practice by championship leader Marc Marquez.
As the biggest name in the sport, Marquez has been asked repeatedly about safety concerns, with more riders speaking out amid background dissent.
The Ducati rider has so far refused to give his opinion publicly, saying if he can’t say what he wants, he’d rather not speak at all.
Marc Marquez admits he would rather be elsewhere
That stance changed slightly during Thursday’s press conference when a single reporter's question was used to ask if he was ‘worried’ to be in Qatar.
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Marquez responded by saying: “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.”
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