Iran-linked list reportedly names F1 and MotoGP team hotels in Gulf
Hotels used by Formula 1 and MotoGP teams in Qatar and the UAE appear on a reported Iranian target list, raising security concerns ahead of Gulf races.
A report says hotels used by Formula 1 and MotoGP teams in Qatar and the UAE are on an Iran-linked 'Zero Hour' target list. Both championships say their Gulf races remain on schedule.
Key takeaways
- Hotels used by F1 and MotoGP teams in Qatar and UAE reportedly named on Iran-linked list
- List titled 'Zero Hour Target' identifies dozens of locations across the region
- Yamaha withdrew from Qatar MotoGP round on November 1
- F1 final rounds scheduled in Qatar on November 29 and Abu Dhabi on December 6
- MotoGP says race will go ahead after consulting authorities and safety advisers
Hotels used by Formula 1 and MotoGP teams in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have reportedly been named on an Iran-linked target list, according to Hindustan Times. The list, titled 'Zero Hour Target', identifies dozens of locations across the region that could come under attack if the United States and Israel bomb Iran again, as reported by Iran's Fars news agency and cited by GPblog.
Why it matters
The reported list raises security questions ahead of three major motorsport events in the Middle East, according to Grande Prêmio. Formula 1 is preparing to visit Qatar and Abu Dhabi later in the month, while the Qatar MotoGP Grand Prix was scheduled for November 6-8.
Protecting a Grand Prix involves more than securing the circuit itself, because drivers, riders, mechanics, engineers, officials, broadcasters and journalists depend on accommodation, transport infrastructure and international flights throughout a race weekend.
Of course, it mainly depends on what kind of guarantees they can give us and what happens in the coming weeks.
Yamaha announced on November 1 that neither its factory team nor its satellite outfit, Pramac Yamaha, would compete at the Lusail International Circuit from November 6-8, according to Hindustan Times.
The Japanese manufacturer said it had decided against changing its company-wide travel restrictions following its assessment of the security situation in the Gulf. The decision followed concerns raised by riders over travelling to Qatar, ESPN reported.
Nineteen of the 22 riders had signed a letter asking MotoGP to take responsibility for the safety of participants or reconsider holding the race.
What happens next
MotoGP has maintained that the Qatar race will go ahead. The championship said it had consulted the Qatari government, Lusail International Circuit, independent safety advisers and other stakeholders before deciding to stick to the schedule, as per Reuters. It also said it had received no information that warranted changing its plans for the event.
Formula 1 is facing questions over its final two rounds of the 2026 season, scheduled in Qatar on November 29 and Abu Dhabi on December 6. According to ESPN, F1 has told its 11 teams that the races remain on schedule and that it is in regular contact with authorities in Qatar and the UAE. The sport has received assurances that the events are safe as things stand.
F1 is also understood to have contingency plans in place in case the security situation deteriorates.
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen is uncertain over travelling to the Gulf for the final races of the season. Speaking after the Mexico City Grand Prix, the four-time F1 world champion said his decision would depend on the safety assurances provided and how the situation develops in the coming weeks.
Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli on Sunday wrapped up the F1 drivers' championship in Mexico with four races still to go.
Sources
Topics
Spotted an error? Read our corrections policy or use the flag button above. Our editorial standards explain how we report.
Discussion
Sign in or create a free account to join the discussion. Please follow our community guidelines.