Qatar's MortoGP pre-season test and opening rounds could be in jeopardy after the country reported an 85 per cent rise in Covid cases last month.

Qatar’s interior ministry said it may need to implement additional restrictions across the country and return to “early restriction phases” in an effort to control the rising number of infections and hospital admissions.

“We have seen an 85 per cent increase in January compared to December in the number of COVID-19 patients being admitted to hospital,” the ministry said.

“In December, Qatar has seen a gradual and consistent increase in the number of new daily infections. Additionally, and of great concern, is the recent increase in both the number of COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital and the number of patients admitted to ICU.

“The data over the next few days and week will tell us more, but these increases appear to be the early signs of a potential second wave in Qatar."