Doha: The Qatar MotoGP scheduled for April 10-12 has been postponed to November 6- 8 due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, organisers of the MotoGP World Championship announced on Sunday.
The decision comes amid broader disruptions to the international motorsport calendar in the region and follows the recent cancellation of two races in the Formula One World Championship in the Gulf.
In a statement, MotoGP said the change was made in coordination with the sport’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), alongside the championship promoter and local authorities in Qatar.
“This decision was made in coordination with the International Motorcycling Federation, the promoter, and local authorities, with the primary objective of ensuring the safety, well-being, and optimal organization of the event for all participants and spectators,” the statement said.
The postponement means the race at Lusail International Circuit will now take place much later in the season than originally planned.
Initially scheduled as the fourth round of the 2026 season, the Qatar Grand Prix will now serve as the 20th and penultimate race of the championship.
MotoGP organisers also confirmed adjustments to the final part of the season calendar to accommodate the change.
The Portuguese Grand Prix, which was previously set to take place on November 15, has been rescheduled to November 22.
Meanwhile, the traditional season-ending race, the Valencia Grand Prix, will now be held on November 29, one week later than originally scheduled.
Officials noted that the revised calendar ensures that the championship will conclude slightly later than planned while maintaining the sequence of the final rounds.
Qatar has long been a prominent venue on the MotoGP calendar, with the floodlit race at Lusail International Circuit traditionally serving as one of the most distinctive events of the championship season.
Organisers said further updates will be communicated as necessary while preparations continue for the rescheduled race later in the year.
