MotoGP Considers Relocating Qatar GP Amid Gulf Tensions
The escalating conflict in the Persian Gulf between the United States and Iran is forcing major series to rethink their calendars, with MotoGP now openly exploring alternative venues for the Qatar . Originally set to take place at the Losail International Circuit on April 11-12 as the fourth round of the season, the race was rescheduled to November 8. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions threaten to disrupt these plans once again.
While Formula 1 initially canceled its Saudi Arabian and Bahrain Grands Prix, it recently confirmed that the Bahrain round will be held instead at Malaysia’s Sepang Circuit on October 4. F1 is actively monitoring the situation to finalize decisions regarding the late-season Qatar and Abu Dhabi events. MotoGP, operated by MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (SEG), faces a similar predicament with its lone Middle Eastern race.
Carlos Ezpeleta, a senior MotoGP executive, acknowledged the possibility of following F1’s approach by hosting the Qatar GP in a different country. “Being part of the same family as F1 (Liberty Media), naturally this issue is on our minds,” Ezpeleta told Autosport/Motorsport in a recent interview. , he emphasized key differences: “We only have one race in the Middle East, and commercially, a 21-race season instead of 22 is clearly sufficient.”
The challenge to find a suitable alternative venue is immense. Logistically, securing a circuit that meets MotoGP’s stringent safety standards on short notice is complicated, especially since the calendar is already crowded with European circuits in use. Furthermore, the series must prepare to race in Portugal just two weeks later, on November 22. “Most European tracks are booked at this time of year,” Ezpeleta noted. “Our priority is to race in Qatar in November. Honestly, I hope we can go, and that’s where all our focus is now.”
SEG has set a deadline at the end of this month to make a definitive decision regarding the Qatar event. The situation remains fluid, with supplier companies involved in the reportedly enforcing internal policies preventing staff deployment to regions deemed unsafe. This complicates matters further.
Beyond 2025, the Gulf crisis could disrupt the start of next season as well. Currently, the calendar lists Thailand as the season opener on March 7, followed by Qatar a week later. However, the ongoing conflict may force adjustments to this sequence.
As the motorsport world watches closely, s ability to maintain its iconic night race at Losail hangs in the balance. “We are focused on making it happen,” Ezpeleta reiterated, underscoring the uncertainty shrouding the Middle East’s motorsport future.