MotoGP plans Qatar race as riders seek further security assurances

MotoGP is preparing to hold the Qatar Grand Prix from 6 to 8 November, despite calls from a group of riders for further assurances about travelling to the region. Organisers say safety remains their priority, while maintaining that no government or sporting organiser can guarantee an entirely risk-free environment.

The race at Lusail International Circuit was initially scheduled for April but was postponed because of the US-Israeli war against Iran. It is now due to take place as the 20th round of the season. With the rescheduled event approaching, MotoGP and the circuit have expressed readiness to proceed, although the riders' requests for additional assurances remain part of the preparations.

A MotoGP spokesperson said teams and riders had received all available assurances from the State of Qatar and the circuit, alongside information from the organisation's continuing risk assessments. The spokesperson said MotoGP respected the concerns being raised and regarded the safety of everyone involved as its central consideration in preparing for the event.

At the same time, the spokesperson rejected the idea that organisers could offer a guarantee of complete safety. An expectation of a "zero-risk environment" was unrealistic anywhere in the world, the spokesperson said, arguing that such a promise was beyond what any government or organiser could provide.

MotoGP said its exchanges with teams and riders had continued throughout the past several months. According to the spokesperson, those discussions included sharing the latest available information, giving participants direct access to documents and responding openly to their questions. The organisation cited that continuing dialogue as part of its response to concerns about the trip.

Carlos Ezpeleta, MotoGP's deputy chief executive, visited Qatar on Thursday ahead of the Grand Prix. During the visit, circuit president Abdulrahman Al-Mannai said the venue was ready to receive riders, teams and spectators for the race. His comments reinforced the organisers' position that preparations were in place for the rescheduled round.

Spain's embassy in Qatar, however, has issued a notice advising Spanish citizens to avoid travelling to the Gulf country unless the journey is absolutely necessary. That advice is particularly relevant to the MotoGP field because Spaniards account for the largest share of riders on the grid, among them world champion Marc Marquez.