News Summary
- Marc Márquez plans to arrive in Qatar on Thursday, one day before practice begins, as MotoGP prepares to race at Lusail amid regional security concerns.
- Yamaha has confirmed it will not participate in the Qatar Grand Prix, citing company-wide travel restrictions affecting its factory and Pramac operations.
- MotoGP insists the November 6–8 event will proceed, warning Yamaha of potential contractual and sporting consequences while maintaining that safety remains its priority.
Marc Márquez is planning to travel to Qatar on Thursday (November 5), just one day before the opening practice sessions for the 2026 MotoGP Grand Prix, despite the ongoing security controversy surrounding the event. The Ducati rider’s plans emerged as Yamaha officially withdrew from the race, escalating tensions between manufacturers, riders and championship organisers over the decision to compete at Lusail.
According to Reuters, Márquez intends to arrive as late as Thursday, while MotoGP maintains that the race can proceed following discussions with Qatari authorities, teams and independent security advisers. The championship leader has not announced a boycott, although his travel plans come amid continuing questions about the guarantees provided to riders and personnel.
Márquez prepares for Qatar as riders seek safety guarantees
The Qatar Grand Prix was originally scheduled for April but was postponed until November because of the conflict involving Iran and the wider security situation in the Middle East.
With the event approaching, riders have sought additional information about evacuation arrangements, insurance coverage and the possibility of airspace restrictions affecting their departure.
The championship has held meetings with teams and riders during the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend, presenting updated security assessments and assurances from the authorities.
Márquez’s intention to arrive on Thursday indicates that he is preparing to compete, although his travel plans do not amount to an endorsement of every safety measure adopted by the organisers.
The Spaniard has particular sporting reasons to attend.
After winning the Malaysian Grand Prix, he leads Jorge Martín by 44 points and Marco Bezzecchi by 67.
The Ducati rider will have his first opportunity to secure the 2026 MotoGP championship in Qatar, potentially claiming his eighth premier-class title with two rounds remaining.
Yamaha withdrawal increases pressure on MotoGP organisers
Yamaha announced on Sunday that it would not travel to Qatar after reviewing the latest information about the regional situation.
The manufacturer said it had found insufficient grounds to change its existing corporate travel restrictions.
The decision affects both the factory Yamaha team and Pramac, removing four motorcycles from the expected entry list.
MotoGP responded by expressing disappointment, arguing that Yamaha’s decision did not reflect the assurances provided to championship stakeholders.
Organisers said they had consulted the State of Qatar, Lusail International Circuit, independent safety advisers and other relevant parties before deciding to maintain the event.
MotoGP also warned that Yamaha’s absence could have contractual and sporting consequences, with any disciplinary measures to be handled by the FIM under the championship regulations.
No specific sporting penalty has been announced.
The other manufacturers — Ducati, Aprilia, KTM and Honda — have indicated that they intend to participate, according to MotoGP’s official statement.
Qatar grid shrinks as Márquez approaches title opportunity
Yamaha’s withdrawal is not the only development affecting the expected grid.
Álex Márquez has confirmed he will miss Qatar to undergo shoulder surgery, while Jorge Martín’s participation remains subject to his recovery from the injury sustained in Australia.
The reduced field and the disagreement over safety guarantees have created an unusual backdrop to a potentially decisive championship weekend.
MotoGP maintains that the Qatar Grand Prix will take place from November 6–8, with further monitoring of the regional situation continuing before the event.
For Márquez, the immediate sporting objective remains the championship, but his planned Thursday arrival places him directly within a dispute that has already prompted the withdrawal of one of MotoGP’s five manufacturers.
GRANDE PRÊMIO is following preparations for the Qatar Grand Prix, with breaking news, full coverage and real-time updates in its MotoGP section.
