Qatar remains committed to hosting its scheduled MotoGP and Formula One races this November, despite ongoing regional uncertainty. Abdul Rahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), confirmed on Tuesday that preparations are moving forward for the events at the Lusail circuit near Doha. MotoGP is currently set for November 8, while the Formula One Grand Prix is slated for November 29.
The status of the Formula One event remains subject to a final decision expected in mid-September. Should the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi fail to proceed, the sport is prepared to conclude its season in Europe. While the World Endurance Championship has already cancelled its October 24 round in the country, Al Mannai emphasized that Qatar is fully prepared for its remaining calendar. He noted that the nation has been stable for months, with the airport operating at full capacity and transit flights between Asia and Europe continuing without disruption.
Addressing the broader regional climate, Al Mannai acknowledged the unpredictability of the situation, which has been influenced by the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran that began in February. This geopolitical tension has led to the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran warning that any strikes on its energy infrastructure would trigger retaliation against Gulf neighbors. Despite these external factors, Al Mannai stated that the federation must continue its preparations, assessing the situation step-by-step while maintaining that current operations are proceeding as planned.
For the sport, the Middle Eastern leg of the season represents a vital financial component, as hosting fees for these events generate tens of millions of dollars in revenue. Al Mannai expressed optimism regarding the return to normal life in Qatar, inviting visitors to witness the stability firsthand. He reiterated that the federation is eager to host the upcoming races, emphasizing that for now, the green light remains for all scheduled activities. The report also notes that motoGP is scheduled to race at the same track on November 8.
