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Qatar Grand Prix was ‘right decision’ despite regional tensions: MotoGP
MotoGP deputy chief Carlos Ezpeleta said holding the Qatar Grand Prix on 6–8 November was the right decision despite riders’ concerns about travelling during the United States-Israel war on Iran. The race had been moved from April because of the regional conflict, and Ezpeleta said it would have been cancelled or postponed again if conditions had worsened.
MotoGP based its decision on information from Qatar’s government and embassies, and accelerated preparations after conditions improved in June and July. Yamaha’s factory and Prima Pramac teams withdrew, reducing the field to 18 riders; Ezpeleta said this surprised MotoGP, while any sporting consequences are for governing body FIM to handle. Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi won the race, and Ezpeleta said MotoGP should improve communication with riders and teams.
In short
- MotoGP said proceeding with Qatar’s rescheduled race was the right call.
- Yamaha’s withdrawal cut the field to 18 riders.
- MotoGP acknowledged it needs to improve communication with riders and teams.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Holding the race after conditions improved could be defended as a proportionate decision based on updated information from Qatar’s government and embassies, especially since MotoGP says it would have cancelled or postponed again if risks had worsened. Proceeding also preserved the event for fans, organisers and participating teams, while leaving each team room to decide whether to travel.
The case against
Riders and teams could reasonably argue that uncertainty during an active regional conflict made travel and participation risks difficult to assess, and that safety should take priority over preserving the event. The withdrawals of Yamaha’s factory and Prima Pramac teams, which left only 18 riders, also suggest that communication and confidence in the decision were not sufficient across the paddock.
Explained simply
MotoGP is the world’s leading championship for motorcycle road racing. Its calendar includes a race in Qatar, held at the Lusail circuit, and teams travel internationally to compete.
The championship is run by MotoGP’s commercial organisation, while the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) is the sport’s governing body. Decisions about holding a race can depend on safety information from host governments and diplomatic sources, as well as input from riders and teams.
The Qatar event was originally scheduled for April but was moved amid conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. A race going ahead affects the riders and teams taking part, as well as the championship calendar and the organisers responsible for it.