Qatar presses ahead with Formula One and MotoGP plans despite regional conflict

Qatar remains committed to hosting its scheduled MotoGP and Formula One races in November, despite continued uncertainty surrounding the security situation across the Middle East.

Abdul Rahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, president of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), said preparations for both events were continuing and that the country was operating normally.

"Qatar has been safe for months now. Our airport is 100 percent operational, including transit flights between Asia and Europe," Al Mannai said on Tuesday.

He said visitors would find Qatar had largely returned to normal life and that organisers were looking forward to welcoming international motorsport fans.

Formula One is expected to make a final decision in mid-September on whether the November 29 race at the Lusail circuit, near Doha, can proceed. If both Qatar and the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi are unable to take place, Formula One has indicated that the championship could instead conclude in Europe.

MotoGP is scheduled to compete at the Lusail circuit on November 8.

Preparations for MotoGP are continuing, while discussions with Formula One remain ongoing. However, Al Mannai acknowledged that the regional situation could change and that organisers were unable to predict developments over the coming months.

"We cannot stop the plans. We have to be ready," he said. "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 conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran, which began in February, has heightened security concerns throughout the region and contributed to the near-closure of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

The disruption has also affected international sporting events. The World Endurance Championship has already cancelled its scheduled October 24 round in Qatar.

Qatar and Abu Dhabi are important destinations on the Formula One calendar, with Middle Eastern races generating significant revenue for the championship through hosting fees that can reach tens of millions of dollars.

For now, Qatar's motorsport authorities say preparations will continue while organisers monitor developments and await Formula One's final decision.