Qatar Confident on Hosting Formula One and MotoGP Despite Regional Tensions

Qatar remains fully committed to hosting upcoming MotoGP and Formula One races in November, despite ongoing regional uncertainties, according to Abdul Rahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF).

“Qatar has been safe for months now. Our airport is 100 percent operational, including transit flights between Asia and Europe. If you visit Qatar, you will see we are back to normal life, so we’re really looking forward to hosting races again soon,” Al Mannai stated on Tuesday.

Formula One announced it will issue a final decision by mid-September regarding the November 29 race scheduled at the Lusail circuit near Doha, noting the season could conclude in Europe if events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi fail to proceed. Meanwhile, MotoGP is currently slated to race at the same venue on November 8, although the World Endurance Championship (WEC) has already called off its October 24 round in Qatar.

“We are up and running and preparing for MotoGP, and it’s the same with our discussions with Formula One. Of course, there are things that we cannot predict. It’s difficult. We don’t know what’s going to happen. The situation has been fluid, even though it’s been really quiet so far. It depends on what happens in the next couple of months or so,” Al Mannai explained.

“For us, we cannot stop the plans. We have to be ready. We are taking it one step at a time to see the situation and assess. But so far, everything is good. Everything is a go-ahead.”

The broader geopolitical landscape has faced strain since the US-Israel war on Iran began in February, resulting in the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz shipping channel. Nonetheless, regional races remain vital financial pillars for Formula One, generating tens of millions of dollars in hosting fees.