Seek shelter in the event of an attack. MotoGP riders given instructions for Qatar Grand Prix

While Formula 1 drivers study data ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix to prepare as thoroughly as possible for Friday practice, MotoGP riders are studying what to do in the event of a missile attack. The Losail circuit has published the locations of emergency shelters and general safety procedures in the event of an attack on Qatar.

Organisers of events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi have spent weeks insisting that life in their countries has returned to normal. They say MotoGP riders, Formula 1 drivers and staff working for teams or the respective championships have nothing to fear.

The results of elections in the USA and Israel have also reduced the risk of an escalation in the Middle East, but grand prix organisers are not certain that the coming weekend will pass without incident. That is evident from the instructions issued to teams by the organisers and published by former racer and MotoGP journalist Mat Oxley.

If a security alert sounds, remain calm and follow these steps:

1. Move to cover right away. No need to look out the window or film; just go.
2. At the hotel, day or night: take the stairs to the hotel’s designated safe area. Don’t use the elevator. If you can’t get there in time, stay on your own floor in the inner area by the stairwell and elevators, away from windows, and sit against an inner wall. If you can’t leave your room, stay low on the side away from the window.
3. At the circuit: go to your team’s agreed solid building. Avoid tents, open paddock areas and glass-fronted buildings.
4. Outside: get into the nearest building. If there isn’t one, get low to the ground and cover your head.
5. In a vehicle: pull over and go into the nearest building. If there isn’t one, step away from the vehicle, get low and cover your head.
6. Stay put for at least 10 minutes, or until the all-clear message, whichever is later.
7. After: don’t touch or photograph any debris; report it to local emergency services. Check in with your team or company group so everyone is accounted for.

Yamaha has not travelled to Qatar, while Alex Márquez is also absent after undergoing surgery, from which he is currently recovering. His brother Marc Márquez could clinch his eighth world title this weekend, but admits he would much rather be “in another place”.

“I mean, I would like to be in another place, but for that reason I arrived on the latest flight possible, and I will leave on the earliest flight possible,” said Marc Márquez. “But we are here, ready to race and fully concentrated.