MotoGP takes different approach to F1 over urgent calendar changes

MotoGP has announced the postponement of its Qatar Grand Prix owing to the Middle East crisis.

Originally scheduled for April 12 – the same day as F1's Bahrain Grand Prix – series chiefs have elected to postpone the fourth round of the season owing to the ongoing crisis sparked by military strikes against Iran by the United States and Israel, and subsequent retaliation.

The World Endurance Championship announced it was postponing its season-opener in Qatar on March 3, with the race originally pencilled in for the weekend of March 27–29. Imola is now set to host the opener on April 19.

The MotoGP race had been scheduled to take place two weeks after the WEC event, with F1 announcing that the Bahrain (April 12) and Saudi Arabian (April 19) races would be cancelled outright.

Like the WEC, MotoGP has opted to postpone its Qatar race rather than cancel it outright; however, it has moved two other races on the calendar to make room for the Lusail International Circuit's new date.

The Qatar race has been moved to November 8, with rounds in Portimão, Portugal, and Valencia, Spain, pushed back to November 22 and November 29, respectively.

"This decision was taken with great care and in full coordination with our partners in Qatar and across the paddock," said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP.

"Our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in MotoGP, as well as ensuring that every Grand Prix is delivered to the highest possible standard. 

"We also recognise the importance of providing clarity for our fans as early as possible and ticket holders will be given the opportunity to rollover their tickets to the next event.

"I would also like to thank our partners in Portimão and Valencia for their collaboration and flexibility in helping us deliver a smooth transition to the revised calendar. We are confident that the updated schedule will allow us to preserve the quality of the championship while offering fans an exceptional season of racing."