MotoGP confident Qatar race can go ahead despite rider pushback

(This story has been refiled to remove an incorrect image.)

By Rohith Nair

Oct 31 : 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 November 6-8 due to the regional conflict.

"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 told Reuters.

"We fully respect the concerns raised and highlight that safety remains the priority for everyone involved."

However, the 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."

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 it was absolutely necessary.

Spaniards make up the largest share of riders on the grid, including world champion Marc Marquez.

EVACUATION PLAN IN PLACE

A MotoGP source said Qatar has guaranteed teams would not be stranded in case of escalation in the conflict and they could leave the country safely in time for the final two rounds in Portugal and