MotoGP, in coordination with the FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme), the promoter and Qatari authorities, has postponed the Qatar Grand Prix from its original April slot and rescheduled the Lusail round for Nov 8. MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said the move was made with “great care,” with rider and public safety and wellbeing the priority. The Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and Lusail International Circuit backed staging the race during the Nov 6–8 weekend, FIM president Jorge Viegas voiced support, and ticket holders will be able to transfer or roll over their tickets to the new date.

The rescheduling followed a recent escalation of regional hostilities, including reported Iranian drone strikes on Hamad International Airport and other buildings in Doha, which prompted several weeks of contingency planning and a review of the April dates. Organizers explored alternatives, including moving the race to early December or relocating the round, but concluded a December slot was impractical because F1 is scheduled to race at Lusail on Nov 27–29 and the tight turnaround, plus significant curb and gravel-trap work needed for F1, would not allow adequate time for circuit modifications.

As part of the late-season reshuffle, the Portuguese Grand Prix in Portimão was moved to Nov 22 and the season finale in Valencia to Nov 29; MotoGP said all other 2026 rounds remain unchanged. MotoGP and partners said the calendar adjustments aim to preserve the integrity and quality of the championship while responding to regional security concerns.

Sources