MotoGP delays Qatar press conference as riders arrive late amid safety concerns

MotoGP has delayed the Thursday press conference for the Qatar Grand Prix in Lusail by four hours, from 16:00 to 20:00 local time, because several riders are arriving later than expected.

The Qatar round has been opposed by multiple riders to varying degrees, with reports that 19 of 22 riders signed a letter to MotoGP Group raising concerns over the race going ahead despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Riders have sought assurances on evacuation plans, insurance and liability. Jack Miller will not race at Lusail after Yamaha withdrew from the weekend, while Alex Marquez is set to miss the event after shoulder surgery. Joan Mir is in doubt after withdrawing from Malaysia due to recurring vision issues.

Marc Marquez has said he will not arrive in Qatar until Thursday evening, and Pedro Acosta has travelled to Bali after the Malaysian Grand Prix. The delay is expected to have little impact on the race weekend itself.