News Summary
- MotoGP says the manufacturers and teams other than Yamaha have confirmed their intention to compete in the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix.
- Yamaha will not send its factory or Pramac entries to Lusail, citing company-wide travel restrictions linked to the security situation in the Middle East.
- The championship has warned of potential contractual and sporting consequences, with the FIM responsible for any sporting sanctions under the regulations.
MotoGP has confirmed that Ducati, Aprilia, KTM and Honda intend to compete in the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix, despite Yamaha’s decision to withdraw its four entries over safety concerns. The championship continues to maintain that the November 6–8 event at Lusail can proceed as planned, although the dispute has raised questions about rider participation and possible sanctions against the Japanese manufacturer.
In an official statement released after the Malaysian Grand Prix, MotoGP said it had consulted Qatari authorities, Lusail International Circuit and independent security advisers before reaffirming its intention to hold the event.
MotoGP says remaining manufacturers will compete in Qatar
The championship explained that it had reviewed the latest available security information and communicated its assessment to manufacturers and teams.
MotoGP said the information received did not justify changing the existing plans for the Qatar Grand Prix.
The organisation also welcomed the confirmation that the remainder of the grid intended to participate.
That position means Ducati, Aprilia, KTM and Honda are expected to field their entries, subject to individual injuries, medical clearances and any subsequent changes.
However, confirmation from manufacturers does not guarantee that every regular rider will be present, particularly given the number of competitors currently recovering from injuries.
The event remains scheduled for Friday, November 6, through Sunday, November 8.
Yamaha maintains withdrawal despite safety assurances
Yamaha confirmed that it would not compete at Lusail following its latest assessment of the regional security situation.
The Japanese manufacturer explained that its company-wide restrictions on travel to the Middle East remained in effect.
It said the available information had not provided sufficient grounds to reverse those restrictions.
The decision affects both the factory Yamaha team and Pramac, removing four entries from the event.
Yamaha emphasised that its assessment was independent of the measures adopted by MotoGP and the local organisers.
The manufacturer also reiterated its commitment to the championship and said it expected to return at the Portuguese Grand Prix.
The withdrawal has already intensified the controversy surrounding the Qatar event.
MotoGP warns Yamaha of potential sanctions
MotoGP expressed disappointment with Yamaha’s decision, arguing that the manufacturer had not adequately reflected the assurances provided to championship stakeholders.
The organisation highlighted its consultations with local authorities and independent advisers.
It also indicated that Yamaha’s non-participation could have consequences beyond the immediate sporting result.
Contractual matters involving MotoGP and the International Road-Racing Teams Association may be examined separately from potential sporting sanctions.
Any sporting penalties would fall under the authority of the FIM and would need to follow the championship regulations.
No specific penalty has been announced against Yamaha, and the manufacturer has not indicated that it intends to reconsider its withdrawal.
Riders remain divided over Qatar safety concerns
Although the other manufacturers have confirmed their intention to participate, the situation among riders remains complicated.
Jack Miller previously revealed that 19 riders had supported a letter challenging the decision to stage the race, calling for greater accountability over safety arrangements.
However, signing the letter does not necessarily mean refusing to compete.
Marco Bezzecchi, Ai Ogura and Johann Zarco were reportedly the three riders who did not sign.
According to the same reporting, nine of the signatories have since informed their teams that they intend to travel.
Marc Márquez, meanwhile, has indicated that he plans to arrive in Qatar as late as Thursday.
The Ducati rider is approaching his first opportunity to secure the 2026 world championship, having established a 44-point advantage over Jorge Martín.
Qatar grid still depends on injuries and replacements
Yamaha’s withdrawal is not the only factor affecting the Qatar entry list.
Álex Márquez will miss the event to undergo surgery, while several other riders are recovering from injuries or require medical clearance.
That could result in an unusually small starting field.
The final number of starters will depend on replacement arrangements, medical assessments and any additional withdrawals.
MotoGP has not announced a definitive starting grid for the weekend.
Despite the uncertainty, the championship continues to prepare for the event as scheduled.
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.
