The 2026 MotoGP™ Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar concluded on Sunday, November 8, 2026, following a full day of racing at Lusail International Circuit (LIC). The event attracted a record 55,120 attendees across the three days. Round 20 of the 22 round championship and the 22nd edition of MotoGP™ at LIC, remained the only Grand Prix on the MotoGP™ calendar to host racing at night.
Spectators gathered for the Opening Ceremony, which featured Qatar’s national anthem, ahead of the weekend’s headline race, the MotoGP™ Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, which was contested over 22 laps. Marco Bezzecchi from Aprilia Racing stormed to victory with a total race time of 41’29.173, crossing the line 3.083 seconds ahead of reigning world champion Marc Marquez from Ducati Lenovo Team, who claimed second place. Raul Fernandez from Trackhouse MotoGP Team completed the podium, finishing 3.614 seconds behind Bezzecchi.
As fireworks lit up the night sky, Bezzecchi was presented with the winner’s trophy, bringing the 2026 MotoGP™ Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar to a spectacular close.
Despite finishing second, Marquez strengthened his position in the championship standings, taking his tally to 431 points and extending his advantage to 60 points over Jorge Martin and 74 points over Bezzecchi.
Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit, said:
“We are proud to have welcomed MotoGP™ back to Qatar and to have shared another memorable weekend of racing with riders, teams and fans from around the world.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the government entities, our partners and sponsors, the riders and teams, and every member of the LIC team, whose hard work, resilience and commitment made the Grand Prix possible. Above all, I would like to thank the fans for making the Qatar Grand Prix such a special occasion.
This event reflects Qatar’s long term, unwavering commitment to motorsport. With that commitment in mind, we look forward to welcoming motorsport fans back to Lusail International Circuit for the next chapter of racing.”
Abdulaziz Ali Al Mohannadi, CEO of Lusail International Circuit, added: “Successfully delivering an event of this scale is a reflection of our world class facilities and, above all, the commitment and dedication of the teams working behind the scenes. Their efforts ensure we provide an exceptional experience that reflects the highest standards of excellence.
The enthusiasm of our fans created a fantastic atmosphere throughout the weekend, while the opportunities we created to bring riders closer to fans made the experience even more special, strengthening the connection between the sport and its supporters. Their passion continues to motivate us to raise our standards and deliver world-class events. We look forward to welcoming our fans back to the circuit for Formula 1® at the end of November.”
Earlier in the day, racing began with Race 2 of the Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup, run over 12 laps, where Kotaro Togashi from Japan secured victory with a time of 26’16.039, followed by Qabil Irfan from Malaysia 1.032 seconds behind and Muh Badly from Indonesia completing the podium at 26’17.252.
The MotoGP™ riders then took to the track for the 10 minute Warm Up, where Fabio Di Giannantonio from Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team set the fastest lap at 1’52.281, followed by Marco Bezzecchi from Aprilia Racing at 1’52.786 and Enea Bastianini from Red Bull KTM Tech3 at 1’52.804.
In the paddock, the MotoGP™ Hero Walk and Talk Show gave the first 400 fans through the gates the chance to meet their favorite MotoGP™ riders, take photographs and collect autographs. The Fan Zone remained busy on the final day with interactive entertainment, children’s activities, while the Cultural Village showcased Qatar’s heritage.
The Moto3™ race ran over 16 laps, with David Almansa from LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP taking victory in 33’09.479. Adrian Fernandez from Leopard Racing finished second 2.516 seconds behind, while Maximo Quiles from CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team completed the podium 2.585 seconds off the lead.
In the Moto2™ race, 18 laps delivered a close contest for the podium, with the battle for second decided by just 0.020 seconds. Daniel Holgado from CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team won in 35’13.340, with Ivan Ortola from QJMOTOR - MSI second 2.265 seconds behind and Alex Escrig from KLINT Racing Team third 2.285 seconds behind the leader.
As the 2026 MotoGP™ World Championship moves on, teams and riders will now prepare for Round 21, the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimão on November 20 to 22, ahead of the season finale in Valencia on November 27 to 29. The same November weekend will also see LIC welcome the Formula 1® Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2026, bringing another spectacular weekend of world class motorsport to Qatar. Tickets are available at tickets.lcsc.qa.
7 Nov 2026
