MotoGP is racing in Qatar this weekend
KTM
Qatar Grand Prix organisers have drawn up plans for competitors, teams and VIP guests to take shelter in toilets and showers, as well as hospitality units and commentary booths in case of an “active attack” at the MotoGP and Formula 1 races set to take place this month.
The emergency shelter plan, seen by Motor Sport, sets out contingency plans for the Lusail circuit, amid concerns of a resumption in American attacks on Iran. It includes details of what to do if the circuit is evacuated, or of the airspace closes and flights are grounded.
The launch of military action in February resulted in retaliatory missile and drone attacks on US allies Saudi Arabia and Bahrain where races were cancelled or postponed, as well as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, which is due to host the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 6, a week after the series visits Qatar.
The document has, unusually, been circulated to MotoGP teams which are due to race in Qatar this weekend, in a region on high alert after the US mid-term elections. Military action was halted in the lead up to the elections, but America has continued to build up its forces in the region, with Donald Trump said to be considering resuming the unpopular war.
Yamaha is boycotting this weekend’s MotoGP round, as its corporate policy bans travel to the area, while TV broadcasters are staying away too; only those associated with the MotoGP group are attending. Several riders have spoken about their reservations in taking part in the event.
The Qatar Grand Prix is still going ahead as planned
Grand Prix Photo
Despite travel warnings from both the UK government – warning that the Middle East region is deeply unpredictable, with the risk of a sudden escalation – and the US government which advises travellers to “reconsider” visiting Qatar, Liberty Media, which owns the commercial rights to MotoGP and F1, has been adamant about that the Middle East rounds will go ahead.
The circuit’s security operations committee has activated an “internal shelter plan”, dated November 4 in case of attack, designating paddock buildings where competitors, team staff and guests will be sent to take shelter.
The plan estimates that 3,500 people can be accommodated in a tunnel under the track, while the pit building can offer protection to 8,100. Commentary booths will provide another 900 spaces, with team hospitality units able to shelter 3,424. Five toilet and shower blocks can hold 60 people each. At the end of the main straight, the “VVIP building” has space for 5210.
Pit boxes and cars will be guarded during an emergency; the plan stipulates that “garage control” will be in place for teams.
Contingency plans are drawn up ahead of all major events, but rarely shared with teams.
The document refers to emergencies where there is an immediate risk to “life safety”, specifying spreading fire or smoke, explosion or active attack, as well as structural failures, crowd crushes, lightning and sandstorms.
It includes general safety advice for personnel and staff, including instructions on what to do if Qatar’s national emergency alert system sends a warning to mobile phones, which it did so during Iranian attacks ealrier this year.
The guidance tells people to move to cover immediately rather than attempting to investigate the situation or film it.
At the circuit, personnel are instructed to head to a previously agreed solid building, avoiding tents, open paddock areas and glass-fronted structures.
Those staying in hotels are advised to use designated safe areas and take the stairs rather than lifts. People caught outside are told to enter the nearest building, while those in vehicles should pull over and seek shelter nearby. If no building is accessible, they are advised to get low to the ground and cover their heads.
The paddock would be used as shelter in case of emergency
Grand Prix Photo
The instructions also specify that people should remain sheltered for at least 10 minutes, or until an official all-clear message is received, whichever comes later.
Following an incident, personnel have been told not to touch or photograph debris and to check in with their respective team or company to ensure everyone is accounted for.
The document also encourages teams and companies to prepare for their Qatar trip in advance, including ensuring personnel have working mobile connections, keeping phones charged, carrying power banks and agreeing on meeting points at both their hotels and the circuit.
The emergency arrangements also include procedures should a departure from the country become necessary.
According to the document, personnel should only leave following instructions from the championship, circuit, hotel or local authorities, rather than acting on rumours or unofficial information.
Teams and companies are advised to establish meeting points at their hotels and at the circuit, with everyone expected to be accounted for within 15 minutes.
Formula 1 is adamant that this year’s Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will take place, despite the ongoing Iran conflict. Is it really planning to try and race in the Middle East?
If flights are operating, personnel are instructed to travel as booked. However, should airspace close, the advice is to remain together and await further instructions. The document states that the championship will coordinate departures with the host authorities and specifically advises against attempting to leave Qatar independently by road.
The plan also outlines the responsibilities of the various security stakeholders involved in protecting the circuit, including Lusail’s security team, private security providers, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior police and Civil Defence, as well as the relevant aviation and cybersecurity authorities.
The document doesn’t identify a specific threat or suggest that an emergency is expected during either event. Rather, it sets out the circuit’s arrangements and procedures should an incident occur.
Formula 1 directed enquiries about the document to MotoGP, which has been approached for comment.
