Key takeaways
- Definitive cancellation expected: MotoGP is expected to announce the cancellation of the Qatar GP in the coming days.
- No replacement race: A proposed second race at Sepang in Malaysia has been dropped, keeping the schedule at 21 completed rounds rather than adding an alternative venue.
- Impact on 2027 calendar: Deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta confirmed that 2027 planning is on hold until regional stability clarifies.
MotoGP is closing in on an official announcement to cancel the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix due to ongoing geopolitical instability across the Middle East. Rather than seeking an emergency replacement venue, the championship is set to move forward with a reduced 21-race schedule.
The Lusail event was originally scheduled for April as Round 4 of the 2026 campaign. However, escalations involving the United States, Israel, and Iran—coupled with security concerns regarding Lusail’s proximity to the Al Udeid air base—forced organizers to postpone the race to November. That rescheduling pushed the final rounds in Portugal and Valencia back by a week.
Reports initially pointed to a double-header at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit to fill the void. However, paddock sources now confirm that the replacement plan has been abandoned.
Speaking at the Aragon Grand Prix, newly appointed MotoGP Deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta emphasized the need to grant teams and riders clarity regarding the remaining points on offer.
“We are trying to be able to go to Qatar, a decision we want made before the start of the Asian tour,” Ezpeleta noted regarding ongoing discussions with local authorities. “The 2027 calendar is nearly set, but we are waiting to see how the situation in the Middle East evolves, because that will also affect next year’s schedule.“
The loss of the Qatar round removes 37 potential points from the championship fight, intensifying the title battle involving Jorge Martín, Marco Bezzecchi, Francesco Bagnaia, and Marc Márquez.
The update follows a busy Friday at MotorLand Aragón, where Marco Bezzecchi broke the all-time lap record to lead Friday practice, Johann Zarco successfully earned direct passage into Q2 upon his return, and Pirelli introduced color-coded test tires for its 2027 compound evaluations.
MotoGP resumes track action from August 28–30 for the Aragon Grand Prix, the 13th round of the 2026 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO provides complete live coverage of every session across all categories. Follow all updates on our news page.
MotoGP 2026 World Championship Standings (Top 5)
| Pos | Driver | Team | Bike | Points |
| 1 | Jorge Martín | Aprilia Racing | Aprilia | 240 |
| 2 | Marco Bezzecchi | Aprilia Racing | Aprilia | 219 |
| 3 | Francesco Bagnaia | Ducati Lenovo Team | Ducati | 218 |
| 4 | Ai Ogura | Trackhouse Racing | Aprilia | 203 |
| 5 | Marc Márquez | Ducati Lenovo Team | Ducati | 192 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. Is the 2026 Qatar MotoGP official canceled?
While an official press release is expected in the coming days, reports confirm MotoGP is finalizing the cancellation of the Qatar GP due to Middle East security concerns.
2. Will there be a replacement race for the Qatar GP?
No. Plans for a substitute event—such as a double-header at Sepang—have been dropped, reducing the season total to 21 races.
3. Does the Qatar cancellation affect Formula 1’s Lusail race?
Formula 1 is still evaluating its schedule, though F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali previously indicated the sport intends to proceed with its November Qatar and Abu Dhabi events as planned.
