MotoGP riders resigned to racing in Qatar despite safety concerns
The MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (MGPSEG), the championship's commercial rights holder, remains fully committed to staging the Qatar Grand Prix, scheduled for next weekend after being postponed by almost six months from its original date. The conflict that broke out in February between the US-Israeli alliance and Iran has created a climate of instability across the Gulf region which ... Keep…
MotoGP riders have acquiesced to competing in Qatar, despite safety concerns and a climate of instability in the Gulf region. Marc Marquez, MotoGP title rival Jorge Martin, and other riders have expressed worries about the race, which was postponed by nearly six months due to the conflict between the US-Israeli alliance and Iran.
Despite this, the MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (MGPSEG) is fully committed to staging the Qatar Grand Prix, set for next weekend. MGPSEG's CEO, Carmelo Ezpeleta, met with riders and team managers to reassure them that the event will proceed regardless of individual riders' decisions. The promoter emphasized that their contracts obligate the riders to their teams, which would be held accountable for any penalties resulting from non-participation.
While most riders oppose the trip, MGPSEG insists that the Qatari government's guarantees are sufficient. However, the riders seek more specific assurances, and Qatar has submitted a document committing to assist in emergencies. Teams like Yamaha and Honda plan to send minimal staff, while broadcasters have announced they won't send any personnel to Lusail.
Written by urgent.news from Motorsport.com's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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