Losail International Circuit and the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) are continuing preparations to host the Qatar Formula 1 and MotoGP Grands Prix despite ongoing uncertainty over the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has already caused major disruption to international motorsport calendars. The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) was forced to postpone and later cancel the Qatar 1812 KM. The race was initially scheduled for February, then moved to October before being cancelled, with the WEC season finale transferred to Monza.
Qatar F1 and MotoGP races remain scheduled
The regional situation is being closely monitored as several championships approach their season finales. Formula 1 is scheduled to visit Qatar in late November before ending its season in Abu Dhabi. MotoGP is also due to hold its Qatar round at Losail International Circuit, while the World Rally Championship (WRC) is set to travel to Saudi Arabia for its final event of the season.
Although decisions about the events will depend on how the situation develops, Qatar currently intends to continue preparations as planned.
Speaking after the return of the WEC Prologue to Losail was announced for 2027, Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Latif Al Mannai, president of the QMMF and Losail International Circuit, confirmed that the Qatar Formula 1 and MotoGP races remain on the calendar for now.
“The plan is to have the race,” he said. “We are fully operational and we are preparing for MotoGP, and the same applies to our discussions with Formula 1.
“Of course, some things are impossible to predict. It’s difficult. We don’t know what is going to happen. The situation has been very fluid, although it has remained very calm so far. It will depend on what happens over the next two months or so.
“From our side, we cannot stop the preparations. We have to be ready. We are moving step by step to monitor the situation and assess it. But for now, everything is fine. Everything remains in place.”
MotoGP is also due to race under the lights.
Photo by: KTM Images
Qatar says it can host international events safely
The QMMF president also said Qatar currently believes it can resume hosting international sporting events under normal conditions.
“We have to separate geopolitics from Qatar’s capabilities when it comes to organising sporting events,” they added. “Qatar has demonstrated that it is capable of safely hosting major international sporting events and organising them to the highest standards. The events of 2026 do not change our capabilities or our commitment.
“Qatar has been safe for several months now. Our airport is operating at 100%, particularly for transit flights between Asia and Europe. If you come to Qatar, you will see that we have returned to normal life. So, we are really looking forward to welcoming races back very soon.”
