YAMAHA WITHDRAWS FROM QATAR GP AS HONDA CONFIRMS ENTRY AND MOTOGP WARNS OF SANCTIONS

Yamaha has announced it will not take part in next weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix, escalating the dispute over whether it is safe to race in the Gulf amid continuing conflict in the region. The decision means the factory team and satellite partner Pramac will miss the November 6–8 event at Lusail, leaving Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, Jack Miller and Raul Fernandez out of the race.

Yamaha said its latest assessment of the Middle East situation had not provided “sufficient grounds to change its existing company-wide travel restrictions.” It told MotoGP Group it would not participate in the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix, adding that the decision was based on information currently available and was independent of measures taken by MotoGP and the event organiser. The manufacturer said it remained committed to MotoGP and looked forward to returning at the Portuguese Grand Prix in Portimao.

The Qatar round was moved from its original April date after the conflict erupted. The war is still ongoing, and reports cited by Crash.net suggest it could reignite this week. Despite the uncertainty, MotoGP is determined to stage the event. Several countries have recently updated their travel advice, with most warning against travel to Qatar unless essential. Governments have not prohibited travel, however, leaving the championship exposed to financial consequences if it cancels. Qatar is described as a major source of income and an important partner for MotoGP.

Riders held several meetings at the Australian and Malaysian Grands Prix, and a letter signed by a majority of the grid was sent to championship organisers in Malaysia to express their opposition to proceeding with the race. At Sepang, the riders also met privately in Yamaha’s offices without team managers or MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group representatives. TNT Sports commentator Gavin Emmett said there was no consensus: “There were a couple of riders who were happy to go to Qatar, and the others weren’t sure about it.” He added that nobody had said they definitely would not go. The two riders he understood to be willing to race were Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi and Ai Ogura.

Jack Miller has since said 19 of the 22 riders are not prepared to race, describing the grid’s position as united after a series of meetings over the past 10 days. “Nobody wants to go, we’ve made our opinion very clear,” the Australian said, questioning why MotoGP is pressing ahead. A letter signed by 19 riders reaffirming their opposition was submitted to MotoGP.

Honda, meanwhile, has confirmed it intends to compete. “Honda HRC will compete in Round 20 of the MotoGP World Championship held in Qatar,” the team said, adding that it had worked with riders, team members and MotoGPSEG to help ensure the weekend goes ahead. Honda rider Joan Mir has cast doubt on his own participation after blurred vision returned during the Malaysian Grand Prix, his first race since September.

Marc Marquez, who strengthened his title chances by winning in Malaysia, said he would travel to Qatar as late as possible. “I go back to Spain and I will arrive in Qatar the latest time possible, Thursday evening,” he told TNT Sports, planning to arrive in time for Friday’s first practice. Asked whether MotoGP should race in Qatar, he replied: “I prefer to say nothing.” His brother Alex Marquez will miss the Lusail round for shoulder surgery, while Pedro Acosta said he would travel to Indonesia before heading to Qatar.

MotoGP has said it is “disappointed” by Yamaha’s withdrawal and that the decision does not reflect assurances provided to championship stakeholders. It said consultations with Qatar, Lusail International Circuit and independent safety advisers, alongside its own risk assessments, had produced no information warranting a change to the event plans. The championship said the rest of the grid had confirmed it would compete, while warning Yamaha’s absence could have contractual consequences under its agreements with MotoGP and IRTA, as well as sporting repercussions handled by the FIM.