Top MotoGP riders have adopted a conciliatory tone about the Qatar Grand Prix weekend following their last-minute arrivals in Doha. Most riders had been reluctant to travel to the event given the ongoing conflict in the region, a situation that almost resulted in a standoff with series owners MGPSEG and included Yamaha’s withdrawal from the event alongside a fly-in-late approach by competitors.
Riders Address Safety and Organizers
With competitors now on the ground and fulfilling media commitments, they have chosen to be positive in their public comments. While most riders refrained from mentioning the unusual circumstances, factory Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia and KTM factory rider Pedro Acosta both offered remarks aimed at smoothing over tensions with the organizers.
Bagnaia admitted initial concern, stating, “It’s true that I was a bit worried. I cannot hide about my feeling about arriving here.” However, the Italian rider added, “But I decided to fully trust Dorna, the organisers, IRTA and the government. I think they are all working for our safety. They have provided us with almost everything we asked for. We need to work together. It’s better to work together. I think it’s the correct thing.”
Bagnaia also noted that the paddock atmosphere met his expectations and that he felt no fear once inside the Gulf nation, remarking that the only valid concern was the potential closure of the airport.
Acosta echoed similar sentiments during his briefings. “If they decided at the time to come, I understand it was because everything was under control,” he stated in Spanish, adding in English that the arrival was normal and that everything looked quite normal.
“I understand that if you start to read all the media, maybe you can get quite afraid of everything,” Acosta said. “But in the end, we have to do what our contractual things say. And also, we have to be professional with the championship, with the team and with the brand.”
