Lusail, Qatar, November 4, 2026: The 2026 MotoGP World Championship heads to the Lusail International Circuit for the Qatar Grand Prix, with the spectacular floodlit venue set to host Round 20 of the season. With the championship battle approaching its climax, all eyes will be on Marc Marquez, who arrives in Qatar with an opportunity to take his first championship match point.

The Ducati Lenovo Team rider holds a 44-point advantage over his closest World Championship rival, Jorge Martin of Aprilia Racing, heading into the Qatar GP weekend. With the title fight reaching a crucial stage, the weekend’s Sprint and Grand Prix races could have a significant bearing on the championship standings.

MotoGP action begins on Friday, November 6, with practice sessions for Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP, followed by Saturday qualifying and the eagerly anticipated Tissot Sprint. The main Qatar Grand Prix takes place on Sunday under the floodlights at Lusail.

MotoGP Qatar GP 2026: Thursday Schedule

The weekend’s activities begin on Thursday with media engagements and paddock discussions. MotoGP GearUp gets underway at 7:30 PM local time (UTC+3), with Jack Appleyard and Louis Suddaby presenting the latest stories and talking points from the paddock.

The Thursday Press Conference follows at 8:00 PM, officially building anticipation for the racing weekend.

Friday: MotoGP Free Practice and Practice Sessions

Track action begins on Friday afternoon, with Moto3 FP1 opening the Qatar GP weekend at 1:00 PM local time. Moto2 FP1 follows at 1:50 PM, before the premier class takes to the circuit for MotoGP FP1 at 2:45 PM.

The afternoon’s sessions continue with Moto3 Practice at 5:15 PM and Moto2 Practice at 6:05 PM. MotoGP Practice concludes Friday’s track action, beginning at 7:00 PM.

The premier-class Practice session will be particularly important as riders look to secure their positions heading into Saturday’s qualifying sessions.

Saturday: MotoGP Qualifying and Tissot Sprint

Saturday’s schedule begins with Moto3 action at 12:30 PM, followed by Moto2 FP2 at 1:15 PM. MotoGP FP2 gets underway at 2:00 PM, with premier-class qualifying scheduled for 2:40 PM.

Moto3 qualifying follows at 4:50 PM, while Moto2 riders take to the track for their qualifying session at 5:45 PM.

The highlight of Saturday’s programme will be the MotoGP Tissot Sprint, which starts at 7:00 PM local time under the Lusail floodlights. With championship points at stake, the Sprint could prove crucial for both Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin.

Sunday: Qatar Grand Prix Race Schedule

Sunday’s race day begins with MotoGP Warm Up at 2:40 PM, followed by the three Grand Prix races.

Moto3 will be the first to race, with the 16-lap contest starting at 4:00 PM. Moto2 follows at 5:15 PM for an 18-lap race, before the premier class takes centre stage.

The 2026 MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix gets underway at 7:00 PM local time, with riders set to complete 22 laps of the Lusail International Circuit under the floodlights.

Following the race, After the Flag begins at 8:15 PM, bringing viewers post-race analysis and reactions. The Sunday post-GP Press Conference will follow.

Marc Marquez Holds 44-Point Championship Advantage

The biggest talking point heading into the Qatar GP is the championship battle between Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin. Marquez arrives at Lusail with a 44-point advantage over the Aprilia Racing rider, putting him in a strong position as the 2026 season approaches its conclusion.

With a potential first championship match point on the horizon, Marquez will be looking to maximise his points haul across Saturday’s Sprint and Sunday’s Grand Prix. Martin, meanwhile, will be aiming to reduce the deficit and keep his championship hopes alive.

The floodlit Qatar Grand Prix promises another exciting weekend of MotoGP racing, with qualifying, the Sprint and Sunday’s 22-lap main race all set to play important roles in the championship contest.