Ezpeleta says MotoGP must improve ties with riders and teams

Carlos Ezpeleta, Deputy CEO of the MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group, said the Qatar Grand Prix passed without any safety-related incidents, but that controversy before the race strained relations with teams and riders. He defended the decision to race in Lusail despite the conflict in the Middle East, saying security conditions had been carefully assessed and that the organisers had "the maximum guarantees" to hold the event.

Ezpeleta acknowledged that MotoGP attracted far more criticism than other sports that also visited the region, adding that it was "something we have to control in the future". He said the organisers probably need to work better with the teams and riders.

The wider conflict also led to several cancellations and postponements across the Gulf, including Formula 1's Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, the WEC's Qatar and Bahrain rounds, and the Finalissima football match in Lusail.