ISTANBUL

MotoGP has postponed the Qatar Grand Prix, the fourth round of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship, to November due to the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East, organizers announced Sunday.

The race, originally scheduled to take place on April 10-12 at Lusail International Circuit in Qatar, will now be held on Nov. 6-8 following consultations with the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the championship promoter, and local authorities.

MotoGP said the decision was taken to ensure the safety and well-being of participants and spectators while maintaining the highest standards for the event.

Following the change, the final rounds of the season have also been adjusted. The Portuguese Grand Prix in Portimao will now be held on Nov. 22, while the season-ending Valencia Grand Prix has been moved to Nov. 29.

MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said the decision was made in close coordination with partners in Qatar and across the MotoGP paddock, emphasizing that safety remains the organization’s top priority.

“We also recognize the importance of providing clarity for our fans as early as possible,” Ezpeleta said, adding that ticket holders will be able to roll over their tickets to the rescheduled event.

MotoGP said all other rounds of the 2026 championship calendar remain unchanged.

Since Israel and the US launched joint attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, killing around 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, hostilities in the Middle East have escalated.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.