Qatar remains committed to hosting its scheduled MotoGP and Formula One races this November, according to Abdul Rahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, president of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF). Despite ongoing uncertainty stemming from regional conflicts, the nation is proceeding with its event preparations.
The MotoGP event is slated for the Lusail circuit near Doha on November 8, while the Formula One Grand Prix is scheduled for November 29. Formula One officials have indicated that a final decision regarding the Qatar race will be made in mid-September. Should the events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi be unable to proceed, the racing season is expected to conclude in Europe.
While the World Endurance Championship (WEC) recently cancelled its October 24 round in Qatar, Al Mannai emphasized that the country has remained stable for months. He noted that the airport is fully operational, handling transit flights between Asia and Europe, and that daily life in the country has returned to normal. He expressed optimism about the upcoming schedule, stating that the federation is moving forward with preparations for both series while acknowledging the fluid nature of the regional situation.
The broader geopolitical climate, marked by the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran that began in February, has caused significant regional concern, including the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Although Iran has warned of potential retaliatory strikes against Gulf neighbors should its infrastructure be targeted, Al Mannai maintains that the QMMF must continue its planning. He stressed that the organization is assessing the situation incrementally, noting that currently, all systems remain a go-ahead for the races.
These Middle Eastern events represent a vital financial component for Formula One, contributing tens of millions of dollars in hosting fees to the sport’s annual revenue. The report also notes that including transit flights between Asia and Europe, our airport is 100% operational.
