MotoGP: Qatar Grand Prix postponed until November due to Middle East conflict, Formula One cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabia GPs

React to this story

The Qatar Grand Prix will now take place on November 8, MotoGP said on Sunday, as a result of the "ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East". Formula One, meanwhile, said its Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia - initially due to take place in April - will not take place in light of conflict in the region.

Grand Prix Thailand Sprint highlights: Acosta triumphs as Marquez penalised

Video credit: TNT Sports

MotoGP has announced that the Qatar Grand Prix, originally scheduled for April, has been postponed to November 8 due to the "ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East".

The Qatar GP was initially due to take place on Sunday, April 12, but MotoGP said in a statement on Sunday that the decision to postpone it was taken "with the primary objective of ensuring the safety, well-being, and highest‑quality delivery of the event", following conflict in the region.

MotoGP said the revised date was chosen "to ensure minimal disruption to the wider MotoGP schedule".

Grand Prix Great Britain

MotoGP Grand Prix Great Britain: Start times, schedule, how to watch and live stream

Yesterday at 12:50

The Portuguese Grand Prix, originally slated for November 15, has been pushed back seven days to November 22, and the season finale in Valencia will now take place on November 29.

MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said: "This decision was taken with great care and in full coordination with our partners in Qatar and across the paddock.

"Our priority is always the safety and well-being of everyone involved in MotoGP, as well as ensuring that every Grand Prix is delivered to the highest possible standard.

'I don't remember ever seeing anything like that' - Tardozzi reveals reason for Marquez's retirement

Video credit: TNT Sports

"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.

"I would also like to thank our partners in Portimao and Valencia for their collaboration and flexibility in helping us deliver a smooth transition to the revised calendar.

"We are confident that the updated schedule will allow us to preserve the quality of the championship while offering fans an exceptional season of racing."

Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, president of the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and Lusail International Circuit (LIC), said he "respect(s)" and "support(s)" the decision.

"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," he added.

Jorge Viegas, president of the FIM also expressed his support for the postponement, saying: "Considering the current geopolitical situation, safeguarding our riders, teams, officials, and fans must always come first. We are confident that the updated calendar ensures that the event in Qatar can be delivered in the safest and most professional conditions."

F1's Bahrain, Saudi Arabia GPs cancelled

Formula One, meanwhile, announced its scheduled Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will not take place in April.

F1 said that "several alternatives were considered" but the decision was ultimately made that "no substitutions will be made in April", with the Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy rounds also affected.

As a result of the decision, there will be a 35-day gap between the Japan GP on March 29 and Miami GP on May 3.

F1 said the decision was "taken in full consultation with the FIA and respective promoters".

Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1, said: "While this was a difficult decision to take, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage considering the current situation in the Middle East.

Highlights: Bezzecchi wins opener in Thailand as Marquez brothers suffer disaster

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I want to take this opportunity to thank the FIA as well as our incredible promoters for their support and total understanding as they were looking forward to hosting us with their usual energy and passion. We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so."

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA president, added: "The FIA will always place the safety and well-being of our community and colleagues first.

"After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind. We continue to hope for calm, safety and a swift return to stability in the region, and my thoughts remain with all those affected by these recent events.

"Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are incredibly important to the ecosystem of our racing season, and I look forward to returning to both as soon as circumstances allow.

"My sincere thanks to the promoters, our partners, and our colleagues across the championship for the collaborative and constructive approach that has led to this decision."

Stream every race of the 2026 Brazil Grand Prix live on TNT Sports and discovery+

Grand Prix Great Britain

Marquez complains 'you are even slower' unless you ride 'robot style'

27/07/2026 at 11:06

Motorcycling

Friday is the day for my mistakes now, says title-chasing superstar Marquez

16/07/2026 at 19:07