News Summary
- At least five MotoGP entries will be absent from the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix, following Yamaha’s withdrawal and Álex Márquez’s decision to undergo surgery.
- Jorge Martín, Raúl Fernández, Fermín Aldeguer and Joan Mir face fitness questions, with their participation dependent on medical assessments.
- The starting grid could fall to around 14 riders in a severe scenario, although replacements and late medical clearances could increase the number.
The 2026 Qatar Grand Prix faces the prospect of one of the smallest starting grids in modern MotoGP history, with five entries already ruled out and several other riders facing medical uncertainty ahead of the November 6–8 event at Lusail. Yamaha’s decision to withdraw both its factory and Pramac operations has intensified the crisis surrounding the race, while injuries could further reduce the number of competitors.
MotoGP organisers insist the event will proceed despite concerns about the security situation in the Middle East. However, the final number of riders remains uncertain, with several medical assessments and replacement decisions still pending.
Yamaha withdrawal removes four motorcycles from Qatar
Yamaha confirmed on Sunday (November 1) that it would not travel to Qatar after reviewing the security situation in the region.
The Japanese manufacturer said its company-wide travel restrictions remained in force and that it had not received sufficient information to justify changing that position.
The decision affects both the factory Yamaha team and Pramac, which depends on Yamaha personnel for its MotoGP operation.
Fabio Quartararo, Álex Rins and Jack Miller will consequently miss the event, alongside Augusto Fernández, who had been replacing the injured Toprak Razgatlıoğlu.
The withdrawal has created a major dispute between Yamaha and MotoGP organisers.
MotoGP expressed disappointment with the decision and warned that contractual and sporting consequences could follow, with the FIM responsible for any sporting sanctions.
Álex Márquez also out as four riders face medical uncertainty
Álex Márquez has confirmed that he will miss the Qatar Grand Prix to undergo surgery to remove a plate inserted following his previous collarbone injury.
His absence leaves Gresini needing a replacement, with Iker Lecuona expected to remain involved in the team’s plans.
Meanwhile, four other riders face varying degrees of uncertainty.
Jorge Martín is recovering from the wrist fracture sustained during the Australian Grand Prix sprint and hopes to return after missing Malaysia.
Raúl Fernández is attempting to recover from a fractured finger, while Fermín Aldeguer is targeting medical clearance after his hand injury.
Joan Mir also faces questions about his fitness after recurring symptoms forced him out of the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Qatar MotoGP — Confirmed absences
| 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 | Surgery |
Augusto Fernández occupied the Pramac entry as substitute for Toprak Razgatlıoğlu. The table counts affected entries, not both riders separately.
Riders whose participation remains uncertain
| Rider | Team | Situation |
|---|---|---|
| J. MARTÍN | Aprilia | Wrist injury |
| R. FERNÁNDEZ | Trackhouse Aprilia | Finger fracture |
| F. ALDEGUER | Gresini Ducati | Hand injury |
| J. MIR | Honda | Recurring fitness concerns |
Could Qatar have only 14 MotoGP starters?
The regular MotoGP grid contains 22 entries.
Yamaha’s withdrawal removes four, leaving 18 potential participants. Álex Márquez’s absence reduces the number further, although a replacement could preserve Gresini’s second entry.
If the four riders currently facing fitness questions were also unable to compete, the field could shrink substantially.
A grid of approximately 14 riders is possible under a severe scenario, depending on the availability of replacements.
However, that figure is not confirmed and should not be treated as an official starting grid.
The comparison with previous seasons illustrates the scale of the potential reduction.
At the 2011 Australian Grand Prix, only 14 riders started the premier-class race, while Silverstone and Assen in 2010 each had 15 starters.
Qatar could approach those historical lows if the current uncertainties are not resolved.
MotoGP maintains Qatar plans as Márquez approaches title opportunity
Despite Yamaha’s withdrawal, MotoGP says it has received no information requiring a change to the event’s schedule.
Organisers have consulted local authorities, the circuit and independent security advisers, while continuing to monitor developments.
Jack Miller previously revealed the extent of opposition among riders, although signing a protest letter does not necessarily mean refusing to participate.
The situation is especially significant for Marc Márquez, who leads Jorge Martín by 44 points after winning the Malaysian Grand Prix.
The Ducati rider has his first opportunity to secure the 2026 championship in Qatar.
A reduced field could influence the title battle, particularly if Martín is unable to return.
The final entry list, medical clearances and replacement announcements will therefore be essential before Friday’s opening practice session.
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.
