MotoGP is preparing for the Qatar Grand Prix, scheduled for November, despite the ongoing conflict in the region. Carlos Ezpeleta, the series’ executive director, has confirmed that they are closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East.
The Qatar GP, one of the most important events on the calendar and the first to be held at night, has been affected by the current political and military landscape in the area. Originally scheduled for April 12, the race has been postponed to November 8, also causing delays to the Portugal and Valencia races that will close the season.
Preparations for the trip to Doha continue, despite the challenges. Recently, a plane parked at Riyadh airport in Saudi Arabia was damaged by a missile attack, leading to significant flight disruptions across the region.
Ezpeleta reiterated that, despite the unfortunate events, the event is still on track with safety as the top priority. “We are closely monitoring the situation and planning our trip to Qatar,” Ezpeleta stated. “The safety of all staff and fans is the most important, and we will make the necessary decisions to ensure it.”
The riders, for their part, have expressed a resigned attitude towards the situation. Several riders, such as Francesco Bagnaia from Ducati, have defended the need to consider all aspects of safety, while also recognizing the allure that the event offers in terms of spectacle.
Fabio Quartararo, who is currently preparing to switch to Honda at the end of the season, has no concerns about traveling to Qatar. “I’m not worried. It will be a race like any other,” he said. Other riders, such as Alex Marquez, have expressed uncertainty about whether the trip will go ahead as planned. “We have the tickets, but I don’t know if we will go,” he commented.
The riders pointed out that, if Formula 1 decides to continue with its events in the region, they will do the same, as they are committed to the competition. Pedro Acosta humorously added that if his team buys them tickets, they have no choice but to go.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
