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MotoGP likely to cancel Qatar Grand Prix due to Middle East unrest
MotoGP is reportedly preparing to cancel its Grand Prix in Qatar due to ongoing instability in the Middle East. According to reports from The Race, an official announcement regarding the cancellation is expected within the coming days.
The race, which was originally scheduled for April but moved to November, may be dropped entirely rather than replaced. Previous rumors of a double-header in Malaysia to compensate for the loss appear to have been dismissed. If the cancellation proceeds, the MotoGP season will likely be reduced from 22 races to 21.
The geopolitical situation in the region, involving tensions between the United States, Iran, and Israel, has significantly impacted motorsport planning. Carlos Ezpeleta, deputy CEO of MotoGP, noted that while the 2027 calendar is nearly complete, decisions regarding future schedules remain dependent on the evolving situation in the Middle East.
This development has implications for Formula 1, which also has scheduled races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi later this year. Both major racing championships are now under the same American ownership, as Liberty Media holds a significant stake in MotoGP owner Dorna Sports.
Entities
Carlos Ezpeleta · Dorna Sports · Formula 1 · Liberty Media · MotoGP
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Formula 1 still has races scheduled in Qatar and Abu Dhabi at the end of the season. www.gpblog.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] A decision regarding the cancellation is expected within a few days. racingnews365.nl · www.gpblog.com · motorsport.uol.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Liberty Media holds an approximately 84 percent stake in MotoGP owner Dorna Sports. www.gpblog.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The MotoGP calendar may be reduced from 22 races to 21 races this year. racingnews365.nl · motorsport.uol.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Plans to replace the race with a double header in Malaysia have been taken off the table. racingnews365.nl · www.gpblog.com · motorsport.uol.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Qatar race was previously moved from April to November due to Middle East hostilities. racingnews365.nl · www.gpblog.com · motorsport.uol.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] MotoGP is likely to cancel the Qatar Grand Prix due to instability in the Middle East. racingnews365.nl · www.gpblog.com · motorsport.uol.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The 2027 calendar is nearly finalized but depends on the situation in the Middle East. racingnews365.nl