MotoGP to race in Qatar despite safety fears as Yamaha withdraws its team
MotoGP will proceed with the Qatar Grand Prix on 6–8 November despite riders’ concerns about the conflict involving Iran, but Yamaha has withdrawn from the event because of restrictions on travel to the Middle East.
Championship organisers confirmed the decision on Sunday, 1 November, after meeting teams during the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend. The discussions covered security assessments, evacuation arrangements and assurances provided by Qatari authorities.
The race at Lusail International Circuit was originally scheduled for April but was postponed to November because of the regional conflict.
Several riders had requested further guarantees about their safety, including details of emergency evacuation procedures and insurance coverage.
Following consultations with the Qatari government, circuit officials, embassies and independent security experts, MotoGP said it had found no reason to cancel or postpone the event again.
«Following a review of the latest information, official assurances from the State of Qatar and independent assessments available to us at this moment, we have received no information that would warrant a change to the current plans for the event,» a MotoGP spokesperson told Reuters.
Qatar has also assured participating teams that they would be able to leave the country if the regional conflict escalates.
Yamaha withdraws despite MotoGP’s safety assurances
Japanese manufacturer Yamaha confirmed it would not participate in Qatar, citing company-wide restrictions on travel to the Middle East.
The decision follows a Japanese government advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Qatar.
MotoGP criticised the withdrawal, arguing that Yamaha’s decision did not reflect the security guarantees provided to championship participants.
«MotoGP is disappointed by Yamaha’s decision not to participate in the Qatar Grand Prix,» the organisation said.
The withdrawal could have contractual and sporting consequences. MotoGP said any penalties under championship regulations would be determined by the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM).
Meanwhile, Ducati and Aprilia have confirmed that they intend to attend the race.
Ducati rider Marc Márquez, who won Sunday’s Malaysian Grand Prix, said he would travel to Qatar as late as possible, arriving on Thursday evening.
Márquez leads Aprilia’s Jorge Martín by 44 points with three rounds remaining in the championship.
His brother Álex Márquez will miss the Qatar race for a separate reason, having chosen to undergo shoulder surgery in Madrid before returning for the Portuguese Grand Prix.
MotoGP said it would continue reviewing security conditions and could reconsider its plans if new information emerged.
The Qatar race is scheduled to be the final Asian round of the 2026 season before the championship concludes with events in Portugal and Valencia.
