MotoGP Delays Qatar Press Conference by Four Hours as Riders Arrive Late

MotoGP has changed the schedule for this weekend's Qatar Grand Prix, delaying Thursday's press conference by four hours as a result of riders arriving in Lusail later than usual. The media session, originally planned for 16:00 local time, will now take place at 20:00, a shift that organisers say reflects the later-than-expected arrival times of several riders. Championship leader Marc Marquez, for example, was not due to arrive until Thursday evening after flying home to Spain following his victory in Malaysia, while other riders also travelled later than normal after the previous round. The delay is expected to have little impact on the race weekend itself, with track action still due to begin on Friday, but it is another sign of the exceptional circumstances surrounding this year's Qatar event. The race, postponed from its original April date, has been opposed by a number of riders amid ongoing conflict in the region, and Yamaha has already confirmed it will not take part. Marquez heads to Lusail with his first chance to clinch the 2026 title, but before any of that can happen, the paddock must first assemble — later than planned.