Qatar MotoGP 2026 runs November 6–8 at Lusail International Circuit, with Sunday’s Grand Prix starting at 19:00 local time. Qatar Tribune’s November 5 report presents the circuit’s spectator guidance, including access and schedule information. However, the complete Qatar-specific rider line-up remains provisional, with Yamaha’s factory and Pramac teams absent.
When is Qatar MotoGP 2026?
The Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar takes place from Friday, November 6, through Sunday, November 8. It is Round 20, and the venue is Lusail International Circuit in Lusail, Qatar.
Although the supplied headline omitted the dates, the Qatar Tribune spectator report dated November 5 gives November 6–8 in its coverage. The official event information also confirms that weekend.
As of November 5, the round remains scheduled to go ahead. However, rider availability and individual session arrangements can change, so check the latest event notices before travelling.
What is the Qatar MotoGP 2026 schedule?
The headline sessions run across all three days. Friday brings free practice and the timed Practice session; Saturday adds qualifying and the Sprint. Then Sunday delivers the 22-lap Grand Prix.
The Qatar MotoGP 2026 schedule below uses local time, UTC+3. US conversions use Eastern Standard Time and Pacific Standard Time, which apply on these dates.
| Session | Date | Qatar time | US Eastern | US Pacific |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MotoGP FP1 | Friday, November 6 | 14:45 | 06:45 EST | 03:45 PST |
| MotoGP Practice | Friday, November 6 | 19:00 | 12:00 EST | 09:00 PST |
| MotoGP qualifying, first session | Saturday, November 7 | 14:40 | 06:40 EST | 03:40 PST |
| MotoGP qualifying, second session | Saturday, November 7 | 15:05 | 07:05 EST | 04:05 PST |
| MotoGP Sprint, 11 laps | Saturday, November 7 | 19:00 | 12:00 EST | 09:00 PST |
| MotoGP Grand Prix, 22 laps | Sunday, November 8 | 19:00 | 12:00 EST | 09:00 PST |
These are session start times, not recommended arrival times. Therefore, leave room for the shuttle, security checks and the walk to your viewing area.
Also, avoid carrying over timings from another round. Our Malaysian MotoGP schedule guide covers a separate race weekend with different local-time requirements.
Which riders are confirmed for the Qatar MotoGP?
Rider status as of November 5: the available reporting does not establish a complete, final Qatar MotoGP rider entry list. MotoGP’s event page says the entry list will appear closer to the Grand Prix.
However, the latest participation updates identify several important changes:
- Yamaha: the factory team and Pramac team will not participate.
- Iker Lecuona: MotoGP’s November 4 preview names him as Álex Márquez’s replacement.
- Fermín Aldeguer: his return remains subject to a medical check.
- Joan Mir and Raúl Fernández: fitness questions remain.
Consequently, a season roster should not serve as the weekend’s confirmed starting grid. Promotional references to 22 riders do not settle Qatar-specific participation.
Use the official MotoGP Qatar event page for subsequent entry-list and event updates. Medical clearance can still affect who reaches the track.
How do you get to Lusail International Circuit?
The confirmed spectator shuttle connects Qatar University Metro Station with the circuit. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes, although queues and onward walking require extra time.
| Access detail | Friday and Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|
| Published gate hours | 11:30–19:30 | 12:00–20:00 |
| Shuttle begins | 11:15 | 11:45 |
| Shuttle ends | 22:00 | 22:00 |
| Shuttle connection | Qatar University Metro Station–circuit | Qatar University Metro Station–circuit |
For the return journey, plan around the published 22:00 shuttle finish. However, confirm Metro connections separately; the shuttle timetable does not establish the wider network’s operating hours.
If driving, follow the circuit’s current parking instructions and the access information attached to your ticket. The verified material available here does not establish a specific road approach, parking allocation or parking charge.
Keep your booking details available before reaching the entrance. Also, agree on a meeting point if your group plans to watch from different areas.
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How much are Qatar MotoGP tickets?
A verified price list for Qatar GP 2026 tickets is not included in the available source material. Therefore, this guide does not quote ticket prices, availability or children’s admission terms.
Before purchasing, check the event’s official sales information for the exact day, viewing area and access entitlement. In particular, do not assume that a ticket includes parking, hospitality or additional activities unless its description says so.
Lusail also hosts Formula 1, so check that your booking explicitly names the MotoGP event and November 6–8 dates. Our Lusail fan activities coverage provides broader context for the circuit’s MotoGP and F1 plans; it does not replace your ticket conditions.
Where is the Qatar MotoGP held?
Lusail International Circuit measures 5.38 km (3.34 miles), with 16 corners and a longest straight of 1,068 metres. Those figures help explain the circuit’s mix of sustained cornering and long-straight action.
For spectators, the practical decision is which part of that lap your ticket lets you see. Compare the current seating map with your preferred viewing priorities before selecting a section.
Meanwhile, treat gate hours and session times as separate planning details. A 19:00 race start does not mean arriving at the circuit at 19:00 gives you time to reach your seat.
How can drivers record their drive to Lusail?
For drivers travelling by car, TripRank is an iOS driving and performance telemetry companion app. It records drives with GPS route capture, works fully offline and continues recording in the background.
The free tier includes unlimited drive tracking and a per-trip Smoothness Score. Trip history shows the 10 most recent trips; older trips are locked.
Keep phone interaction for when parked. Any performance testing belongs at a closed circuit or private venue, never on public access roads.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the Qatar MotoGP start in the United States?
The Grand Prix starts at 12:00 p.m. EST and 9:00 a.m. PST on Sunday, November 8, 2026. That corresponds to 19:00 in Qatar.
What time is the Qatar MotoGP Sprint?
The 11-lap Sprint starts at 19:00 Qatar time on Saturday, November 7, 2026. That is 12:00 p.m. EST or 9:00 a.m. PST.
Is there a shuttle to the Qatar MotoGP?
Yes. The spectator shuttle links Qatar University Metro Station with Lusail International Circuit in approximately 15 minutes. It starts at 11:15 on Friday and Saturday, and 11:45 on Sunday, with service ending at 22:00 each day.
Is Yamaha racing in Qatar?
No. As of November 5, the confirmed participation update says Yamaha’s factory and Pramac teams will not participate in the Qatar round.
Are children’s tickets free at the Qatar MotoGP?
The available verified material does not establish children’s admission terms. Check the official ticket conditions for age limits, accompanying-adult requirements and any separate booking requirement.
Bottom line
Lusail’s November 6–8 weekend has confirmed headline session times and shuttle arrangements, but not a complete final rider list. Plan around the 19:00 Sprint and Grand Prix starts, then recheck entry and ticket details before leaving. If you are driving to the circuit, explore TripRank’s iOS drive-recording app for GPS trip capture.
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