Marquez on brink of eighth title as MotoGP heads to Qatar under shadow of war

Nov 6 : Ducati's Marc Marquez could clinch a record-equalling eighth MotoGP title in Qatar this weekend, but the reigning champion would rather not be there amid paddock unease over racing so close to a regional conflict.

MotoGP officials told teams in Malaysia on Sunday they had received no information warranting a change to the Qatar Grand Prix, despite riders' concerns about the war against Iran.

The race at the Lusail International Circuit, originally scheduled for April, was postponed to November 6 to 8 due to the conflict, with seven-times champion Marquez among those seeking further assurances.

"Not the best place to be but, in the end, we have a contract and we are ready to race here in Qatar," said Marquez, who can equal Giacomo Agostini's haul of eight world championships in the premier class.

"I tried to arrive as late as possible and I will leave as soon as possible... You can see that some people are affected a bit more, some people a bit less.

"But in the end, we must be professional."

Marquez's remark contrasted with the stance taken by Aprilia, who have been vocal about wanting to race in Qatar as they look to salvage a campaign that seemed theirs to win months ago.

MotoGP has said independent risk assessments show it is safe to race, while Qatar has given official assurances and guarantees that teams and riders will not be stranded if the conflict escalates.

APRILIA DISMISS SAFETY DEBATE

"If the organisers say it's safe, we have to go. There's not much to debate. Honestly, I don't understand all this fuss that's being made," Aprilia boss Massimo Rivola told AS.

"I want to go. If you don't want to do this job, you stay home."

But those assurances did not stop Yamaha from withdrawing after the Japanese manufacturer