Daijiworld Media Network - Doha

Doha, Sep 1: Qatar is continuing preparations to host MotoGP and Formula One races in November despite uncertainty caused by the ongoing conflict in the region, Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation President Abdul Rahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai said on Tuesday.

Al Mannai said Qatar had remained safe in recent months and that Hamad International Airport was fully operational, including transit flights between Asia and Europe.

"Qatar has been safe for months now. Our airport is 100 percent operational, including transit flights between Asia and Europe. If you visit Qatar, you will see we are back to normal life, so we're really looking forward to hosting races again soon," he said.

Formula One is scheduled to hold its Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail circuit near Doha on November 29. The sport's organisers are expected to take a final decision in mid-September. If the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races cannot be held, the Formula One season could end in Europe.

MotoGP is scheduled to race at the same circuit on November 8. The World Endurance Championship, however, has already cancelled its Qatar round scheduled for October 24.

Al Mannai said preparations for MotoGP were continuing and discussions with Formula One were also progressing, although the situation remained unpredictable.

"We cannot stop the plans. We have to be ready. We are taking it one step at a time to see the situation and assess. But so far, everything is good. Everything is a go-ahead," he said.

The conflict in the Middle East has created uncertainty around international sporting events and travel in the region. The US-Israel war on Iran began in February and has also led to the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz shipping route.

The Qatar and Abu Dhabi races are particularly important to Formula One, with Middle Eastern events contributing significantly to the sport's revenues through hosting fees running into tens of millions of dollars.