News Summary
- Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola described the Qatar MotoGP safety debate as unnecessary, arguing that competitors should accept the organisers’ assurances.
- Rivola said anyone unwilling to travel should stay home, extending his remarks to riders, team personnel and journalists.
- His comments contrast with Yamaha’s decision to withdraw its four entries, while MotoGP continues preparing for the November 6–8 event at Lusail.
Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola has delivered a forceful response to the controversy surrounding the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix, dismissing the debate over whether MotoGP should race in the Middle East amid ongoing regional security concerns. Speaking to Spanish newspaper AS, the Italian argued that the championship’s organisers have access to the information required to assess the risks and that competitors should accept their decision.
His remarks come as Yamaha refuses to participate in this weekend’s event, while other manufacturers intend to race despite concerns raised by several riders.
Rivola calls Qatar MotoGP safety debate pointless
Rivola argued that responsibility for determining whether the Qatar Grand Prix can proceed rests with the championship’s organisers.
He maintained that teams should follow their assessment rather than independently debate whether to attend.
“If the organiser says it’s safe, you have to go,” Rivola said.
“There’s not so much discussion. Honestly, I don’t understand all this mess that’s going on.”
The Aprilia executive insisted that the same principle should apply throughout the paddock, rather than allowing different groups to reach their own conclusions.
His position is based on the assumption that organisers have access to detailed security information and documentation unavailable to individual competitors.
However, his comments do not establish that travelling to Qatar is without risk.
‘If you don’t want to do this job, stay at home’
Rivola was particularly direct when asked whether he personally intended to travel to Lusail.
“I want to go. If you don’t want to do this job, you stay at home,” he said.
He stressed that his position applied beyond the riders themselves.
“You journalists, I am a manager, the engineers, everyone.”
Rivola argued that the organisers’ decision should be respected because it is informed by their assessment of the available evidence.
“If the organiser, with all the information and documentation, says ‘let’s go’, then let’s go and that’s it.”
His remarks represent one of the strongest public defences of the decision to proceed with the event, contrasting with the concerns expressed by other figures in the championship.
Yamaha refuses to travel despite organisers’ assurances
Yamaha has withdrawn both its factory and Pramac teams from the Qatar Grand Prix, removing four motorcycles from the expected field.
The Japanese manufacturer cited company-wide travel restrictions linked to the security situation in the Middle East.
MotoGP expressed disappointment and warned that Yamaha’s decision could have contractual and sporting consequences.
No specific sporting sanction has been announced.
Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi has also defended proceeding with the event, saying the manufacturer trusts the safety assurances provided by organisers.
The contrasting decisions highlight the different approaches taken by teams when assessing the risks associated with travelling to the region.
Riders have demanded additional safety guarantees
The Qatar Grand Prix was moved from its original April date because of the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Although the race remains scheduled, several riders have requested more information about security arrangements, including emergency evacuation procedures.
Marc Márquez was among those seeking additional assurances, according to reporting by Reuters.
Ducati defended the championship leader, explaining that requesting a safety plan should not be interpreted as refusing to compete.
Meanwhile, reports that 19 riders supported a letter questioning the event have intensified scrutiny of the championship’s handling of the situation.
However, signing a letter requesting assurances does not necessarily mean a rider intends to boycott the Grand Prix.
MotoGP says it has consulted Qatari authorities, Lusail International Circuit, embassies and independent security experts.
The organisation maintains that the available assessments do not justify cancelling the event, while acknowledging that no environment can be guaranteed entirely free of risk.
Aprilia prepares for Qatar with championship ambitions
Aprilia has an additional sporting interest in the Qatar Grand Prix.
Jorge Martín remains second in the Riders’ Championship, 44 points behind Marc Márquez, while Marco Bezzecchi is also mathematically in contention.
However, Martín’s participation remains uncertain following the wrist injury that prevented him from competing in Malaysia.
The final medical assessment will determine whether the Spaniard can return at Lusail.
The Grand Prix remains scheduled for November 6–8, with the sprint on Saturday and the main race on Sunday.
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.
