MotoGP heads to Qatar as US strikes Iranian island near Strait of Hormuz

MotoGP is due to begin practice in Qatar in three days, with the Qatar Grand Prix scheduled for 5 to 8 November at Lusail. Five of the six manufacturers are set to take part, with Yamaha the only one to confirm it will not race after issuing a statement following the Malaysian Grand Prix. MotoGP has publicly expressed its displeasure at Yamaha's decision.

The event has faced uncertainty since the US-Israeli war on Iran began in February, when the Qatar round was postponed from April to November. Concern about racing at Lusail has been voiced in the paddock, most notably by some riders, and the travel comes amid reports that the US and Israel were preparing to renew their offensive against Iran.

Reports also emerged of a US attack on Qeshm, an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters and the Associated Press reported that the strike targeted Iranian surface-to-air missile capabilities, and the Wall Street Journal said it was one of several recent strikes against Iran that had not been made public.