Qatar MotoGP rescheduled

In response to the US/Israel war with Iran that began on 28 February and continues to see military strikes from both sides, MotoGP has chosen to reschedule the Grand Prix of Qatar from its original 10-12 April date to 6-8 November. This decision was taken following co-ordination between the FIM, the circuit promoters at Lusail and local authorities in Qatar. There will be no replacement GP in the original April date.

MotoGP says the calendar shift aims to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants and attendees, as well as securing the highest‑quality delivery of the event.

Moving the Qatar GP’s date to after this year’s second round of flyaways will only impact the final two rounds, with Portimao (Round 21) and the finale at Valencia (Round 22) both moved back one week, to 20-22 and 27-29 November, respectively. All other rounds will run on their originally scheduled dates, including the Australian GP – the last at Phillip Island - on 23-25 October.

"This decision was taken with great care and in full coordination with our partners in Qatar and across the paddock,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP. “Our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in MotoGP, as well as ensuring that every Grand Prix is delivered to the highest possible standard.

“We also recognise the importance of providing clarity for our fans as early as possible and ticket holders will be given the opportunity to rollover their tickets to the next event.”

In response, Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit, added: “The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, and Lusail International Circuit respect and support the decision of the MotoGP Sport and Entertainment Group to postpone the MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar to November 6–8, 2026.

“We sincerely thank our fans, teams and partners for their understanding and ongoing support, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to Lusail International Circuit.”