Qatar MotoGP to be broadcast largely from home studios as TV networks stay away from Lusail
James Hinchcliffe now works for F1 TV
Ben Hunt is an award-winning motorsport journalist with over two decades of experience in Formula 1 and international media. As a former editor-in-chief and bestselling author, he delivers in-depth analysis and strategic insight from the highest level of the sport.
Most of MotoGP's television partners will not be sending crews to the Qatar Grand Prix. According to reports, only DAZN will be on-site in Qatar next week, with the likes of TNT Sports, Ziggo Sport and Sky's channels presenting from their remote studios, as questions are asked about the sport's - and F1's plans to travel to the area.
The broadcasters are making that call while the championship itself is pressing ahead. MotoGP's Qatar Grand Prix was postponed from its April date due to the US war with Iran that broke out in February, and the rescheduled round at Lusail runs from 6 to 8 November. According to reports, riders left a meeting with MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta on Thursday with the impression that they will be racing Qatar despite their concerns.
TV crews keep their distance from Lusail
While the series insists the race will go ahead without problems, but most broadcasters do not share that view as only DAZN will be on-site from the pool of TV broadcasters, with the rest electing for remote reporting.
ADVERTISEMENT
Viewers will notice the difference. In the Netherlands, Ziggo Sport is turning its home base into the venue for race day as a select group of fans can follow the Grand Prix of Qatar on 8 November from the Ziggo Sport Race Café studio in Hilversum.
US senator adds to the unease
The decisions come as warnings from Washington get louder. Chris Murphy, a sitting US Senator for Connecticut, has now issued a warning about Trump's war plan in a conference at the Middle East Institute. Murphy told the conference: "I will just say this: their plan is insane."
The broadcasters are not the only ones staying away. Yamaha has already withdrawn from the round, and VR46 has confirmed that some staff will not travel, while F1 has set itself a deadline on the final two races of the season.
ADVERTISEMENT
Formula 1 is next in line at Lusail
The obvious question is whether Formula 1's broadcasters will make the same choice. The Qatar Grand Prix remains scheduled for November 27–29 at Lusail International Circuit. Concerns about the region have included the reliability of the travel arrangements for the teams, officials and broadcast crews. No F1 broadcaster has yet said it will present that race remotely.
The FIA, for its part, has projected confidence. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has confirmed that he would be happy to send FIA staff to the Middle East while drivers have been urged by F1 not to speak about the races in question.
Don’t miss GPblog in Google
Mark us as a preferred source and our articles will appear more often at the top of Top Stories.
Add as a preferred / source on Google