YAMAHA WITHDRAWS FROM QATAR GP AS 18 RIDERS MAKE THE GRID

Yamaha will miss the Qatar Grand Prix after deciding that company-wide travel restrictions prevent its MotoGP operation from going to Lusail. The withdrawal removes both factory riders Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, as well as Pramac’s Jack Miller and Augusto Fernandez, who is standing in for the injured Toprak Razgatlioglu. Yamaha said its decision was based on the information available to the company and was separate from the safety measures put in place by MotoGP and the event organiser. It also stressed that it remains committed to the championship and intends to return at the Portuguese Grand Prix.

MotoGP Group said it was disappointed, arguing that consultations with Qatar, Lusail International Circuit, independent safety advisers and its own risk-assessment process had produced no information requiring a change to the event plans. The series welcomed confirmation that the rest of the grid would race and warned that Yamaha could face contractual and sporting consequences. Honda was reportedly close to joining Yamaha’s withdrawal before deciding to attend. Commentator Diego Lacave said Honda had been “on the verge” of taking the same position, adding that the threat of penalties may have influenced its decision. He also suggested Honda’s involvement in Formula 1 could make the Qatar situation relevant to its future decisions in that championship. Yamaha could face points deductions across three championships, according to MotoGP News.

The race will nevertheless have a reduced field of 18 riders. Yamaha is the only manufacturer absent, while its Pramac Moto2 team is still expected to compete. The other absentees are Gresini’s Alex Marquez, recovering from shoulder surgery, and Honda’s Joan Mir, whose fatigue-related vision problems have returned. World Superbike rider Iker Lecuona replaces Alex Marquez, while Jake Dixon steps in for Mir. Honda’s Luca Marini, Johann Zarco and Diogo Moreira are set to race.

Several injured riders were also due to undergo medical checks or seek clearance. Aprilia’s Jorge Martin and Trackhouse’s Raul Fernandez, both forced out of the Malaysian round, were listed as fit to try to race; Martin was cleared for first practice but had not yet secured approval for the full weekend. Gresini’s Fermin Aldeguer, who fractured his hand in Indonesia, was back after missing two rounds. Tech3’s Maverick Vinales remained troubled by fitness issues, while KTM otherwise had its full line-up.

The wider uncertainty around travel and safety led many riders to delay their arrival in Doha, and the pre-event press conference was moved to 8pm local time. After arriving, riders struck a measured tone about the controversy. The available reports describe them as conciliatory, but do not provide further direct rider quotations.

The event also carries major title implications. Ducati’s Marc Marquez can clinch the 2026 crown in Qatar, his first opportunity to secure a tenth world title. He needs to outscore Martin by 30 points and Marco Bezzecchi by eight, or by seven if he wins the Grand Prix. Ducati and Aprilia are both expected to race as the championship battles continue, despite the concerns surrounding the event.