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

The Star Malaysia · Rohith Nair · 2026-11-06 12:56 UTC

Nov 6 (Reuters) - 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.

Nov 6 (Reuters) - 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.

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