MotoGP boss Carmelo Ezpeleta ‘definitely’ rules out replacing the Qatar Grand Prix

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The MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix has been placed in major doubt amid the conflict in the Middle East, but the race is not set to be replaced.

First hosting a race in 2004, the Qatar Grand Prix has been a staple of the MotoGP calendar. However, the recent conflict and intensifying situation in the Middle East have put all sporting events in the region in doubt.

The World Endurance Championship have already confirmed that the first race of 2026, set to be held at the Lusail International Circuit, will not go ahead. Naturally, this casts doubt over the MotoGP race, which is scheduled to take place from April 10-12.

However, MotoGP boss Carmelo Ezpeleta has reassured fans and organisers that the Qatar GP will not be outright cancelled.

READ MORE: The most successful MotoGP teams at the Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail

Carmelo Ezpeleta ‘definitely’ rules out the Qatar GP being replaced, but it is likely to be rescheduled

Speaking via Motorsport Espana, Ezpeleta assessed the situation in the Middle East at an Estrella Galacia 0.0 event in Madrid. While he admits the Qatar GP will be ‘very complicated’ to sort out, he is positive that the race will go ahead at some stage.

“Would there be a possibility of returning on another date? Don’t worry. We always have a plan B,” he said.

You’re in charge of MotoGP, what is the one track that you’d immediately add to the calendar?

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“We have to wait; I can’t say now that we’re not going. We’ve been talking with Qatar since what happened on Sunday, and we’ll make a decision. It’s unlikely we’ll go to Qatar on April 12th, but I can’t say we’re not going.”

Argentina was touted as a potential replacement for Qatar, with Termas de Rio Hondo said to be interested in hosting a race. The Argentine GP dropped off the calendar at the end of 2025, with the Brazilian GP replacing it.

However, Ezpeleta has ruled out Qatar being replaced: “Going somewhere else? Definitely not. Will it fit into the schedule later? We’re very good at making schedules. We’ll know something soon, obviously. We’re waiting for them to tell us something. There’s still time.”