Qatar circuit boss delivers readiness update as double header nears

The CEO of Qatar's Lusail International Circuit has made it clear that preparations are in full swing to host MotoGP and Formula 1 next month, despite the ongoing tense regional backdrop.

The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, combined with Houthi missile and drone strikes across the Arabian Peninsula, has already disrupted the 2026 motorsport calendar, contributing to the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian GP and the relocation of the Bahrain event to Malaysia earlier this month.

A ballistic missile strike hit the Saudi Aramco headquarters complex in Dhahran on October 13, roughly 160 kilometres across the Persian Gulf from Lusail, while maritime strikes near the Strait of Hormuz and aerial strikes on regional transport hubs have raised fresh concerns over potential airspace closures and freight delays.

Against that backdrop, Lusail's ability to deliver a smooth, secure double header carries added significance, with F1 and the FIA maintaining that the Qatar GP will go ahead as scheduled on November 29, while keeping Italy's Imola circuit on standby should conditions deteriorate further.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has said the governing body regards Qatar and Abu Dhabi as sufficiently secure to host races and would not send paddock personnel or drivers into areas of unmanaged danger, while Qatari authorities have reaffirmed that the country is safe and that it expects to host both events as planned.

The three-week gap between the two rounds, with MotoGP taking place on November 4-6, means the venue faces a tight turnaround, but with work continuing across grandstands, hospitality areas and the wider event infrastructure despite the backdrop of ongoing instability elsewhere in the Middle East.

Lusail International Circuit CEO Abdulaziz Ali Al-Muhannadi said preparations for the events are progressing as planned.

"We are looking forward to welcoming the world back to Lusail International Circuit in November for two of the most anticipated events on the international motorsport calendar, just three weeks apart," said Al-Muhannadi.

"Our preparations are nearing completion, with our teams focused on ensuring that every aspect of the venue is ready to deliver an exceptional experience for fans, as we do every year."