Dorna Sports, in cooperation with Qatar Airways, has successfully completed the transport of all MotoGP™ World Championship freights from Doha to Europe on 22 April.

Five flights of freight were required to repatriate all the materials. The first was able to begin returning the goods on 1 April, followed by the second and third on the 8th and 10th of April, respectively – all of which landed in Zaragoza. A flight to Barcelona on 12 April then completed four fifths of the task before the final flight landed in Zaragoza on 22 April to complete the repatriation.

The QNB Grand Prix of Qatar took place in Doha in time when much of the world began to see travel restrictions brought into force to limit the spread of COVID-19, changing the face of the world almost instantly and creating some complex logistical challenges for the MotoGP™ World Championship.

Initially a normal timetable was maintained upon completion of the Qatar GP, ensuring all the material was put on pallets and ready to fly to its next destination within a regular timeframe. Under normal circumstances, the freight would have then travelled to the next GP on flights leaving in the subsequent days, but this time it was instead put into storage at Doha airport awaiting more updates on where it would next be required and when. Qatar Airways provided highly-secure, automated and climate-controlled space for the freight at Hamad International Airport. This is crucial for much of the material as it was protected from both humidity and any changes in ambient temperature, keeping it safe and secure.

Compounded by the fact that the premier class were unable to return to Losail International Circuit and yet their equipment remained in Doha following the earlier test held at the venue, there were three classes of freight for MotoGP™, team and DHL logistics personnel to pack and repatriate to Europe – a task that has now been completed.

Once each plane load of material was back in Europe, it was transferred to a secure storage facility in Catalonia on arrival. Some of it will be kept in storage awaiting the next Grand Prix, including much of Dorna’s equipment, whilst much will now be returned to those who have requested it be transferred to their own facilities for storage.

Once the date and location of the next Grand Prix are confirmed, Dorna Sports and logistics partner DHL will resume normal service to continue transporting MotoGP™ around the world.