MotoGP has confirmed that the Qatar Grand Prix, originally slated for April 2026, has been postponed to 8 November 2026 due to the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
The decision was made in close coordination with the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the event promoter, and Qatari authorities, with safety and operational excellence cited as the primary considerations.
Organisers explained that the revised date follows extensive scenario planning and calendar analysis aimed at minimising disruption to the broader MotoGP schedule. As part of the reshuffle, the Portuguese Grand Prix in Portimão will now take place on 22 November, and the season finale in Valencia has been moved to 29 November, while all other rounds of the 2026 championship remain unchanged.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP, emphasised the care taken in reaching the decision. “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 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.”
He also expressed gratitude to the circuits affected by the reshuffle, adding: “I would also like to thank our partners in Portimão 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.”
The Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit echoed their support for the postponement. Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of both organisations, stated: “The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and Lusail International Circuit (LIC) 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.”
FIM President Jorge Viegas also endorsed the updated schedule, stressing the importance of prioritising safety. “The FIM fully supports the decision to reschedule the Qatar Grand Prix.
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.”
