MotoGP faces Qatar security concerns ahead of Grand Prix

MotoGP is set to go ahead with the Qatar Grand Prix even as a group of riders demand more assurances for travelling to the region, with organisers arguing that a "zero-risk environment" is unrealistic. The race at the Lusail International Circuit, originally scheduled for April, was postponed to 6 November to 8 due to the US-Israeli war against Iran. "MotoGP has provided teams and riders with every assurance available from the State of Qatar, the circuit ... and our own ongoing risk assessment processes," a MotoGP spokesperson said. "We fully respect the concerns raised and highlight that safety remains the priority for everyone involved." However, the MotoGP spokesperson said the expectation of a zero-risk environment was not realistic anywhere in the world by any government or organiser. "Over the past months, we have maintained continuous dialogue with teams and riders, sharing the latest information available, providing direct access to documents and answering questions openly and transparently," the spokesperson said. Carlos Ezpeleta, deputy CEO of MotoGP, visited Qatar on Thursday, where the circuit's president, Abdulrahman Al-Mannai, said they were ready to welcome the riders, teams and fans for the 20th round of the season. However, Spain's embassy in Qatar has issued a notice urging its citizens not to travel to the Gulf nation unless absolutely necessary. Spaniards make up the largest share of riders on the grid, including world champion Marc Marquez. Report by Reuters