The Qatar Grand Prix remains a sensitive issue within the MotoGP paddock. With just over two weeks remaining before the scheduled November 6–8 event at Lusail, tensions in the Middle East continue to raise questions about the safety of travelling to the region.
Despite the uncertainty, organisers maintain that preparations are continuing and that the race remains scheduled to take place.
Ahead of this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island, several riders were asked about the situation during Thursday’s media sessions.
Among the most notable responses came from Marc Márquez, who chose not to reveal his personal position on the matter.
Marc Márquez: “I Prefer Not to Give My Opinion”
Asked whether the Qatar Grand Prix should go ahead under the current circumstances, the Ducati rider adopted a cautious approach.
“On this subject, I prefer not to give my opinion, at least for the moment,” Márquez said.
His brief response offered little indication of whether he believes travelling to Lusail would be safe.
The issue remains particularly delicate because the geopolitical situation across the region continues to evolve.
Recent attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia have heightened concerns, while several governments have updated their travel advice for citizens visiting the Middle East.
Nevertheless, MotoGP has not announced any changes to the Qatar Grand Prix schedule.
Jorge Martín Trusts Organisers to Guarantee Safety
Jorge Martín, who currently leads the championship by just two points over Márquez, also addressed the situation without expressing opposition to holding the race.
“Nobody has told us that we’re not going,” the Aprilia rider explained.
Martín made it clear that he intends to respect the organisers’ decisions, trusting that the necessary assessments will be carried out to protect everyone involved.
“It’s another race. If we go, that’s fine; if we don’t go, that’s fine too. If the organisers decide we can race, it will be because our safety is guaranteed.”
His comments reflect a desire to remain focused on the championship battle rather than become involved in speculation surrounding the event.
Álex Márquez: “The Situation Is Getting Worse Every Day”
Álex Márquez offered a more detailed assessment, expressing concern about the evolving conflict and the difficulty of predicting what could happen over the coming weeks.
The Spanish rider pointed out that conditions are changing constantly and that, despite reassurances from the championship, nobody can fully control such a complex geopolitical situation.
He suggested that making a final decision too far in advance could prove problematic because security conditions may change rapidly.
Márquez also acknowledged the significant financial interests associated with the event but stressed that these should never take precedence over people’s safety.
“There’s a lot of money involved, of course, and it’s understandable that MotoGP wants to protect those interests. But we also have to think about everyone’s safety.”
The Gresini rider emphasised that the trip involves far more than the riders themselves.
Engineers, mechanics, journalists, event organisers and numerous other professionals would also be required to travel to Qatar.
Qatar Organisers Continue Preparations for the Grand Prix
Lusail International Circuit confirmed on Wednesday that preparations for its upcoming international events were entering their final stages, including the scheduled MotoGP and Formula 1 races.
MotoGP teams have also received communications confirming that the championship still intends to hold the Qatar Grand Prix on its revised dates.
The race was originally scheduled for April but was postponed until November because of the conflict in the region.
That decision also required adjustments to the Portuguese and Valencia Grand Prix dates.
A cancellation would therefore create further complications for a calendar that has already undergone significant changes.
MotoGP executive vice-president Carlos Ezpeleta recently reiterated that preparations for the Qatar event are continuing, while emphasising that the safety of personnel and spectators remains the championship’s highest priority.
Organisers will continue monitoring developments as the event approaches.
Qatar Could Have a Major Impact on the MotoGP Title Fight
Beyond the safety concerns, uncertainty surrounding the Lusail race could have significant consequences for the championship battle.
Jorge Martín and Marc Márquez arrive at the Australian Grand Prix separated by just two points, with five rounds still scheduled before the end of the season.
If the Qatar Grand Prix were cancelled without a replacement event, the maximum number of championship points available would decrease by 37.
That figure includes the 12 points awarded to the Sprint winner and the 25 available for victory in Sunday’s Grand Prix.
Such a development could substantially influence the strategies of the championship contenders, particularly if the gap between Martín and Márquez remains extremely narrow.
MotoGP therefore faces a complicated situation involving safety considerations, organisational commitments and sporting consequences.
Final Decision Remains Open
For now, the Qatar Grand Prix remains on the calendar for November 6–8.
Local authorities and event organisers are continuing their preparations, although the evolving conflict makes it difficult to predict whether the race will ultimately take place.
The riders’ comments at Phillip Island underline the sensitivity of the issue within the paddock.
Marc Márquez has chosen not to comment, Martín is placing his trust in the organisers, and Álex Márquez is urging caution.
With hundreds of people involved in staging a MotoGP weekend, the championship will need to assess security conditions carefully before the event can proceed.
For the moment, Lusail remains part of the 2026 calendar, but the coming weeks could prove decisive.