Qatar GP stays on course despite regional tensions
MotoGP will forge ahead with next month’s Qatar Grand Prix despite Middle East tensions and concerns from some riders over safety, while others said they trusted organisers Dorna to ensure the race co...
The Qatar Grand Prix is still set to take place next month, despite regional tensions and some riders' safety concerns. The race at the Lusail International Circuit, originally scheduled for April, has been moved to November 6-8 due to the conflict in the Middle East. Several other sports events in Saudi Arabia, including a golf tournament, have been canceled due to a strike that resulted in at least 13 deaths.
The US State Department has ordered some diplomats and family members to leave Saudi Arabia and plans to withdraw staff from other missions in the region. However, MotoGP organizers, Dorna, and MotoGP riders believe the race can be staged safely. Gresini Racing's Alex Marquez expressed skepticism about the safety guarantees in a volatile environment.
Meanwhile, Formula One plans to host its final two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi as scheduled, with Formula One president Mohammed Ben Sulayem stating the situation in the region is currently "fine". The MotoGP title race remains tight after 17 of the 22 rounds, with Aprilia's Jorge Martin leading by two points over reigning champion Marc Marquez.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
