MotoGP, Qatar FP1 LIVE:

The Qatar Grand Prix will ultimately take place as if nothing had happened. After weeks of uncertainty linked to the conflict in the Middle East, the organizers are firmly maintaining the Losail event. For MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group, the race must go ahead as planned. For the teams and riders, however, questions about security, travel, and the consequences of a potential absence have not all disappeared. And amidst this unusual atmosphere, Marc Marquez could write a new chapter in the championship's history.

MotoGP is keeping Qatar despite tensions

Originally scheduled for earlier in the season, the Qatar Grand Prix was postponed to November due to the regional situation. But this postponement has not dispelled all concerns.

The drivers discussed safety conditions and the necessary guarantees for participating in the event. Several teams also reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the organizers' communication.

Yamaha has finally taken the plunge, announcing the withdrawal of its factory team and Pramac MotoGP. This decision has provoked a strong reaction from the promoter, who has reiterated contractual obligations and raised the possibility of sporting consequences.

No specific sanctions have been officially announced, however, as sporting disciplinary matters fall under the jurisdiction of the relevant bodies, notably the FIM . Honda has confirmed its participation, while Ducati, Aprilia , and KTM also plan to race.

The continuation of the event therefore seems more likely, even if the final composition of the grid remains uncertain.

🌹💪 @aldeguer54 is here and he's fit to race! #QatarGP 🇶🇦 pic.twitter.com/BsLkRizrgj

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) November 5, 2026

Marc Marquez can clinch his tenth world title

From a sporting perspective, this race could be historic. After his victory in Malaysia, Marc Marquez holds a 44-point lead over Jorge Martin and 67 over Marco Bezzecchi . With 111 points still up for grabs before the final three Grands Prix, the Ducati rider has his first opportunity to clinch the championship at Losail.

To secure the title, he must leave Qatar with at least a 75- point lead over his rivals. This requires gaining 31 points on Martín and eight on Bezzecchi over the weekend.

A difficult scenario if all his rivals are present and competitive. But Mariín remains uncertain after his wrist fracture in Australia and his withdrawal from the Malaysian Grand Prix. His potential absence could considerably ease the task for number 93.

✅💪 @25raulfernandez is back and fit to ride! #QatarGP 🇶🇦 pic.twitter.com/jefzCRh1OK

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) November 5, 2026

By 2025, Marquez had already imposed his will in Losail

The Qatari circuit also holds excellent memories for the Ducati rider . During the 2025 Grand Prix, the fourth round of the championship, Marquez won a particularly hard-fought race.

After contact with his brother Alex in the early laps, he had to manage his tires before regaining the lead with seven laps to go. Maverick Viñales crossed the finish line in second place, but a 16-second penalty for exceeding tire pressure regulations ultimately relegated him to fourteenth.

Pecco Bagnaia thus regained second place, ahead of Franco Morbidelli . That edition was also marked by the crash of Jorge Martin , who was returning from injury. A year later, circumstances have changed, but Qatar could still play a decisive role in the trajectory of the two Spaniards.

The fact that the race is still on in Qatar does not mean the crisis is over.

There remains a fundamental difference between organizing a race and convincing its participants. Marc Marquez has announced his intention to arrive in Losail as late as possible . Other riders are also reportedly delaying their arrival, according to information reported by Rubén Carballo. The journalist even mentions a four-hour postponement of Thursday's press conference, information that remains to be officially confirmed.

These precautions do not necessarily constitute a boycott. But they show that a return to a perfectly normal organization cannot yet be considered a given.

So, what do we remember?

• Qatar: MotoGP firmly maintains the Grand Prix despite security concerns.
• Score: a first match point for his tenth world title.
• Paddock: Yamaha absent and several persistent questions about travel and security guarantees.

Le MotoGP wants the Qatar either the scene of a historic coronation. But if Marquez y décroche sa dixième couronne, il restera une question que le trophée ne fera pas disparaître : le championnat aura-t-il réellement rassuré son paddock, ou simplement réussi à faire courir ceux qui ont accepté de venir ? Voici le tableau qui résume les faits connus jusque-là.