MotoGP could now move Qatar Grand Prix to December slot rather than cancelling the race

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MotoGP could reschedule the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix to December and make it the season finale.

The 2026 MotoGP calendar could see a shake-up after only one round, as the hostilities in the Middle East will likely impact the Grand Prix of Qatar.

MotoGP is currently scheduled to head to the Gulf region for the fourth round of the 2026 season between the 10th and 12th of April, but this continues to look more and more unlikely.

However, it has now been suggested that the Grand Prix of Qatar will not be cancelled, but instead it will be rescheduled to take place later in the season, and could potentially become the season finale.

The current MotoGP season finale is the Grand Prix of Valencia, which is scheduled between the 20th and 22nd of November. However, if the Grand Prix of Qatar is rescheduled, it would take place after it in December.

MotoGP to host a race in December for the first time in history

MotoGP has never raced in December throughout its history, if suggestions are correct the 2026 Grand Prix of Qatar could become the first season finale to take place during December.

An exchange on X between MotoGP journalists Simon Patterson and Mat Oxley raised the suggestion that the MotoGP season may run into December if the Grand Prix of Qatar is moved, as Patterson said he has ‘a feeling’ that MotoGP will race in December for the first time.

Before, Oxley mentioned another option that would see the 2026 season end with a triple header, which would likely run in the final three weekends of November.

Patterson said, “I have a feeling that we’re about to have what I’m pretty sure would be the first ever MotoGP season to end in December…”

Oxley responded, “That’s the other option. Also avoids a triple header.”

Past MotoGP season finale calendar changes

The MotoGP World Championship is no stranger to having to alter the season finale of a Championship midway through the year.

Although Valencia has become the venue that is known for hosting the final round of the year, it has had to be altered in the past.

The most recent time the season finale was changed was in the 2024 season, the finale was moved from Valencia to Barcelona due to the flooding that had taken place in Valencia at the time.

Previously, Portimao had been used as the final round of the MotoGP season in 2020 as the calendar and paddock was impacted by the Coronavirus.

There have also been suggestions that Valencia will no longer be the final round of the season after the 2026 season, as there have been discussions that Adelaide will host the 2027 season finale.