QATAR GP ROW: YAMAHA BOYCOTTS AS FOUR MANUFACTURERS PLAN TO RACE

MotoGP riders have reportedly resisted taking part in the Qatar Grand Prix, with Pramac’s Jack Miller saying that 19 of the 22 riders did not want to race. Yamaha has withdrawn from the event, meaning its four riders—Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, Miller and Augusto Fernandez—will not attend. Ducati, Aprilia, KTM and Honda have confirmed they still plan to race. Yamaha could face a championship-points penalty, while riders who refuse to compete may be suspended, potentially missing the final two races. Those possible sanctions, alongside repeated assurances that the event is safe, appear to have persuaded the remaining riders to accept the trip for now, although the situation could still change.

The dispute overshadowed the Malaysian Grand Prix, where meetings focused on Qatar. Riders reportedly had to gather in Yamaha’s offices because MotoGP did not provide them with a meeting room. The episode added to the impression that their concerns were not being treated with respect and raised questions about whether the lack of space made it harder to organise opposition.

Riders had come close to presenting a united front and applying pressure on MotoGP Group. Reports say only Marco Bezzecchi, Ai Ogura and Johann Zarco wanted to race; the other 19 signed a letter saying they did not intend to travel. Yamaha’s decision followed a meeting involving its team and company president. The other four manufacturers’ decision to go leaves the riders’ earlier opposition without a united factory boycott.

Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola has sided with those willing to race, saying he does not understand the “fuss” surrounding Qatar. Asked whether cancellation would help or hurt injured Aprilia rider Jorge Martin, Rivola said he was not considering that question: “If they say we should go, we go. If the organiser says it’s safe, we have to go – there’s no need for all this debate.” He added: “If you don’t want to do this job, you stay at home,” extending that view to journalists, managers and engineers as well as riders. Rivola said he trusted the organiser’s information and documentation. Ducati team boss Davide Tardozzi also said the organisers had assured the paddock it was safe and that his team trusted them.

The standoff has exposed strained relations between competitors and the championship’s commercial rights holder. MotoGP bosses, including Carmelo Ezpeleta and his son Carlos, have been seen by some as prioritising the Lusail organisers’ interests over those of riders and teams. The championship’s approach has relied more on the threat of penalties than on winning riders’ support.

Even with four manufacturers travelling, the grid could be significantly reduced by injuries. Jorge Martin and Raul Fernandez withdrew from the Malaysian GP and may not be ready a week later. Alex Marquez will miss Qatar for shoulder surgery, while Gresini’s Fermin Aldeguer has yet to be cleared after a hand injury. Maverick Vinales is struggling, and Joan Mir retired at Sepang after further complications from an earlier illness. Reports suggest Iker Lecuona could ride for Gresini for a third consecutive race, though it is unclear whose place he might take. Honda is also expected to use a replacement rider. With Yamaha’s four bikes absent and several others doubtful, the Qatar field could be as small as 12.

The weekend may proceed without incident, but the dispute could have lasting consequences. Riders may renew calls to form a union, giving them a stronger collective voice in decisions affecting their safety and participation.