MotoGP postpones Qatar Grand Prix due to Middle East conflict

15 Mar 2026, 08:16 · CNA · Join

Read a summary of this article on FAST.
Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.
Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST
FAST

March 15 : The Qatar Grand Prix scheduled for next month has been postponed to November due to the conflict in the Middle East, MotoGP announced on Sunday.

The Lusail International Circuit was set to host the fourth round of the 2026 championship from April 10-12 but it has now been rescheduled for November 8, organisers said in a statement.

The U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran have affected countries throughout the Gulf, disrupting travel in some of the world's busiest transit hubs and forcing several sporting events to be cancelled.

"MotoGP confirms 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 statement said.

CNA Games

Guess Word
Crack the word, one row at a time

Buzzword
Create words using the given letters

Mini Sudoku
Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser

Mini Crossword
Small grid, big challenge

Word Search
Spot as many words as you can
Show More
Show Less

"Following extensive scenario planning and calendar analysis, the revised date has been chosen to ensure minimal disruption to the wider MotoGP schedule."

The Portuguese Grand Prix will now take place on November 22 and the season finale in Valencia will move to November 29, organisers added.

Aprilia's Marco Bezzecchi leads the championship after the first round in Thailand. The next two races will be held in Brazil (March 20-22) and the United States (March 27-29).

The conflict has also affected Formula One, with the sport announcing on Saturday races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia would not take place in April.

MotoGP postpones Qatar Grand Prix due to Middle East conflict

Recommended Read

Sign up for our newsletters

Get the CNA app