YAMAHA EXIT LEAVES QATAR MOTOGP GRID AT RISK OF FALLING TO 13

Yamaha’s decision to keep its teams away from the Qatar Grand Prix has left MotoGP facing the prospect of its smallest grid in more than 15 years, with further withdrawals possible as riders weigh safety concerns and injuries.

The manufacturer said it would not send its two teams after considering company travel advice for the Middle East amid fears that the Iran conflict could escalate. The move rules out Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins from the factory squad, as well as Pramac riders Jack Miller and Augusto Fernandez, who is standing in for injured Toprak Razgatlioglu. MotoGP Group has reacted angrily and warned of possible sanctions against those who boycott the event.

The uncertainty extends beyond Yamaha. During the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend, 19 of the 22 riders reportedly signed a letter asking MotoGP to accept full liability if they were required to race in Qatar. Reports say the championship did not agree, and has maintained that riders who refuse to compete could face penalties. Many teams and riders are delaying travel until close to the event in case circumstances change.

Alex Marquez is also confirmed absent. The Gresini rider announced he would miss Qatar to undergo surgery on his right shoulder, injured in May at Barcelona. As of Monday, the five confirmed non-starters were Marquez, Quartararo, Rins, Miller and Augusto Fernandez, leaving 17 riders on the entry list.

Four more riders could yet be unavailable, potentially reducing the field to just 13. Jorge Martin, who is among those reluctant to race in Qatar, withdrew from the Malaysian round and is still dealing with a wrist injury. His championship position may influence his decision: he trails Marc Marquez by 44 points and could feel compelled to ride, provided his condition allows it.

Aprilia team-mate Raul Fernandez is another doubt. He has been coping with a broken finger since Mandalika and also sat out Malaysia; Trackhouse has not announced whether he will race in Qatar. Joan Mir’s illness symptoms returned in Malaysia after previously keeping the Honda rider out for four rounds, putting his participation in question. Gresini’s Fermin Aldeguer is targeting a return from a hand injury, but the team has not confirmed his plans. Replacement rider Iker Lecuona is expected to be on track for Gresini, though it remains unclear whether his status would affect any decision to withdraw.

If all four doubtful riders pull out, Qatar could have only 13 starters. MotoGP has not had such a depleted field since 2010, when Assen and Silverstone each had 15 starters. The 2011 Australian Grand Prix began with 17 riders entered, but only 14 started on race day. It is also unclear how many riders Qatar’s contract with MotoGP requires for a race weekend.