MotoGP riders resigned to Qatar GP as series monitors safety situation

MotoGP is continuing to plan for the Qatar Grand Prix in November, even amid the Middle East conflict, with deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta saying the championship is monitoring conditions closely. The race, originally set for 12 April, was postponed to 8 November, pushing the Portuguese and Valencia Grands Prix back by a week each. Preparations are still underway for MotoGP to travel to Doha in just under a month. On Thursday, a plane parked at Riyadh airport in Saudi Arabia was reportedly damaged by a missile attack linked to Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis, causing major flight disruptions. Ezpeleta said safety for staff and fans remains the top priority and that contingency plans are possible.