News Summary
- The Qatar Grand Prix could have just 13 starters, with five entries already ruled out and four more riders facing fitness concerns.
- Yamaha has withdrawn its four motorcycles over security concerns, while Álex Márquez will miss the weekend for shoulder surgery.
- Jorge Martín, Raúl Fernández, Fermín Aldeguer and Joan Mir remain uncertain, although MotoGP insists the November 6–8 event will proceed.
The 2026 Qatar Grand Prix could feature as few as 13 riders, potentially producing one of the smallest starting grids in MotoGP history. Yamaha’s withdrawal from the November 6–8 event at Lusail, combined with Álex Márquez’s absence and injuries affecting four other competitors, has left the championship facing an unprecedented participation crisis.
Although MotoGP organisers continue to insist that the race will take place, the number of motorcycles on the grid remains uncertain. Five entries have already been ruled out, while four other riders are awaiting confirmation of their fitness.
Yamaha withdrawal leaves Qatar without four motorcycles
Yamaha announced on Sunday (November 1) that neither its factory team nor Pramac would participate in Qatar.
The Japanese manufacturer cited company-wide travel restrictions associated with the security situation in the Middle East.
The decision removes Fabio Quartararo, Álex Rins, Jack Miller and Augusto Fernández from the entry list. Fernández had been replacing the injured Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, whose rookie season ended prematurely following shoulder surgery.
MotoGP expressed disappointment with Yamaha’s decision and warned that contractual and sporting consequences could follow.
However, the championship has not announced any specific sanctions.
The remaining manufacturers have confirmed their intention to race in Qatar, although individual participation remains subject to medical clearances and possible changes.
Five entries already ruled out of Qatar
Álex Márquez has also confirmed that he will miss the Qatar Grand Prix to undergo surgery on his shoulder.
The Gresini rider finished on the podium in Malaysia but decided to prioritise his recovery rather than compete at Lusail.
His absence brings the number of confirmed missing entries to five.
Confirmed absences — Qatar MotoGP 2026
| Rider | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| F. QUARTARARO | Yamaha | Manufacturer withdrawal |
| Á. RINS | Yamaha | Manufacturer withdrawal |
| J. MILLER | Pramac Yamaha | Manufacturer withdrawal |
| A. FERNÁNDEZ | Pramac Yamaha | Manufacturer withdrawal |
| Á. MÁRQUEZ | Gresini Ducati | Shoulder surgery |
Augusto Fernández occupies the entry normally assigned to Toprak Razgatlıoğlu. The table counts entries rather than every injured or unavailable rider.
With MotoGP’s regular field comprising 22 entries, those absences would leave 17 potential participants before any further withdrawals or replacements.
Four riders could further reduce Qatar starting grid
The situation could deteriorate because four additional riders are dealing with physical problems.
Jorge Martín is recovering from a wrist injury that forced him to miss the Malaysian Grand Prix. The Aprilia rider hopes to return, but his participation remains uncertain.
Raúl Fernández has been struggling with a fractured finger since Indonesia. The Trackhouse rider withdrew from Malaysia and has yet to receive definitive clearance for Qatar.
Fermín Aldeguer is attempting to recover from a hand injury, with Gresini still assessing its options.
Joan Mir also faces uncertainty after physical problems returned during the Malaysian Grand Prix, forcing the Honda rider to withdraw.
Riders facing fitness uncertainty
| Rider | Team | Situation |
|---|---|---|
| J. MARTÍN | Aprilia | Wrist injury |
| R. FERNÁNDEZ | Trackhouse Aprilia | Finger fracture |
| F. ALDEGUER | Gresini Ducati | Hand injury |
| J. MIR | Honda | Fitness concerns |
If all four are unable to participate and no additional replacements are entered, the grid could fall to 13 motorcycles.
However, that figure remains a projection rather than the confirmed starting grid.
Gresini’s replacement arrangements, including the possible participation of Iker Lecuona, could also affect the final number.
Could Qatar set a MotoGP record for the smallest grid?
A field of 13 riders would be exceptionally small for the modern MotoGP era.
The championship has previously experienced races with severely reduced participation.
The 2011 Australian Grand Prix had 14 starters, while the 2010 races at Assen and Silverstone featured 15.
A 13-rider starting grid in Qatar would fall below those figures, although a definitive historical record comparison would require checking every race in the MotoGP era.
The uncertainty is especially concerning because the reduction would not be caused by a single incident.
Instead, it reflects a combination of security concerns, manufacturer withdrawal and injuries.
Qatar crisis unfolds as Marc Márquez approaches championship title
The participation crisis comes at a decisive stage of the championship.
Marc Márquez arrives in Qatar with a 44-point advantage over Jorge Martín after winning the Malaysian Grand Prix.
The Ducati rider has his first opportunity to secure the 2026 title at Lusail.
The championship calculations show what Márquez needs to become world champion in Qatar.
Martín’s uncertain fitness could have a significant effect on the title battle.
However, Márquez’s championship situation must also account for Marco Bezzecchi and the points still available in the remaining rounds.
The Ducati rider has indicated that he intends to arrive in Qatar as late as possible before Friday’s opening practice.
MotoGP maintains Qatar race despite safety concerns
MotoGP has reiterated that the event will proceed following consultations with Qatari authorities, Lusail International Circuit and independent security advisers.
The organisation says it has received no information requiring a change to its plans.
However, opposition among riders remains significant.
Signing that document does not necessarily mean a rider intends to boycott the race.
Marco Bezzecchi, Ai Ogura and Johann Zarco were reportedly the three riders who did not sign.
The final entry list and medical clearances will determine whether Qatar approaches the smallest starting field of the MotoGP era.
GRANDE PRÊMIO is following every session of the Qatar Grand Prix this weekend, with breaking news, full coverage and real-time updates in its MotoGP section.
