MGPSEG, the commercial rights holder of MotoGP, remains fully committed to staging the Qatar Grand Prix next weekend after a postponement of roughly six months from its original schedule.
A conflict that erupted in February between the US‑Israel alliance and Iran has left the Gulf region unstable; while tensions are lower than at the war’s outset, the situation remains unresolved.
For weeks, the majority of MotoGP riders have voiced concerns over traveling to a region still fraught with tension, where hostilities could reignite at any time. Over three‑quarters of the field have spoken out against the trip, while MGPSEG maintains that the assurances given by the Qatari authorities are adequate.
After a Wednesday meeting at Sepang in Malaysia—attended by the riders and most team managers—Carmelo Ezpeleta, the promoter’s CEO, met with them on Thursday.
According to Motorsport.com sources, Ezpeleta restated his stance, leaving the participants with the sense that the race would proceed irrespective of any individual rider’s decision not to compete.
Ezpeleta also reminded the riders that their contracts tie them to their teams, which would bear responsibility for any penalties should they fail to meet their commitments.
MotoGP riders stand for the playing of the National Anthems
Photo by: Eric Alonso / Getty Images
During the Australian round last week, the riders requested written assurances from MGPSEG regarding their safety and the level of protection the paddock would receive in Qatar should the crisis intensify while team personnel were present.
MGPSEG counters that providing such guarantees lies beyond its authority and is the duty of the Qatari authorities.
Motorsport.com reports that Qatar has submitted an emergency‑response document, yet the riders are pushing for more detailed guarantees.
To address these concerns, Carlos Ezpeleta, MGPSEG’s deputy CEO, is due to travel to Malaysia shortly, where he will detail the guarantees provided by Qatar.
Team staff largely express reluctance to travel to Qatar, though opinions differ among individuals.
Yamaha plans to field the minimal staff possible, and Honda intends to follow a comparable strategy.
Several broadcasters holding MotoGP’s rights have already announced they will not dispatch any personnel to Lusail.
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