News Summary
- Only 13 riders have been confirmed so far for the Qatar Grand Prix, with Yamaha’s withdrawal and several injuries leaving the final entry list uncertain.
- Jake Dixon is reportedly set to replace Joan Mir at factory Honda, giving the British rider his first MotoGP appearance since 2021.
- MotoGP maintains its commitment to racing at Lusail on November 6–8, while Marc Márquez heads into the weekend with a 44-point championship advantage.
MotoGP faces an increasingly complicated build-up to the Qatar Grand Prix, with just 13 riders confirmed to participate as of Tuesday (November 3), according to a review by GRANDE PRÊMIO. The withdrawal of Yamaha’s four motorcycles, several injuries and uncertainty surrounding replacement riders have left the championship facing the prospect of an unusually small field at Lusail.
The situation has become particularly significant for Honda, with Joan Mir expected to miss the event because of continuing health problems. British rider Jake Dixon is reportedly preparing to take his place, while the championship leader Marc Márquez approaches a potentially decisive weekend.
Only 13 MotoGP riders confirmed for Qatar
The regular MotoGP field comprises 22 entries, but the list of riders whose participation has been established is considerably smaller ahead of the weekend.
According to the latest assessment, the 13 confirmed riders are:
| Rider | Team |
|---|---|
| A. OGURA | Trackhouse Aprilia |
| B. BINDER | KTM |
| D. MOREIRA | LCR Honda |
| E. BASTIANINI | Tech3 KTM |
| F. DI GIANNANTONIO | VR46 Ducati |
| F. BAGNAIA | Ducati |
| F. MORBIDELLI | VR46 Ducati |
| J. ZARCO | LCR Honda |
| L. MARINI | Honda |
| M. MÁRQUEZ | Ducati |
| M. BEZZECCHI | Aprilia |
| M. VIÑALES | Tech3 KTM |
| P. ACOSTA | KTM |
The figure does not represent the final starting grid. Several additional riders are targeting a return, while teams may introduce substitutes.
Jake Dixon reportedly set to replace Joan Mir at Honda
Honda is preparing a change to its factory line-up after Mir suffered renewed dizziness and vision problems during the Malaysian Grand Prix.
According to The Race, Dixon is expected to replace the Spaniard at Lusail, although an official announcement from Honda was still pending at the time of the report.
The 30-year-old Briton competed in two MotoGP races in 2021, when he substituted for Franco Morbidelli at Petronas SRT.
He subsequently returned to Moto2 before joining Honda’s World Superbike programme in 2026.
Gresini is also preparing to field Iker Lecuona as a replacement amid injuries to its regular riders, according to reports.
Yamaha withdrawal intensifies Qatar participation crisis
Yamaha confirmed after the Malaysian Grand Prix that it would not participate in Qatar.
The decision affects both the factory team and Pramac, removing Fabio Quartararo, Álex Rins, Jack Miller and Augusto Fernández 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 contractual and sporting consequences could follow, although no specific sanction has been announced.
That confirmation concerns the manufacturers’ participation rather than guaranteeing that every regular rider will be available.
Injuries leave several Qatar entries unresolved
Álex Márquez will miss the Qatar Grand Prix after undergoing surgery following the Malaysian round.
Jorge Martín is also recovering from injuries sustained during the Australian Grand Prix weekend, while Raúl Fernández has been dealing with fractured fingers.
Fermín Aldeguer remains affected by a hand injury, with his participation also in doubt.
The availability of replacement riders and medical clearances will determine the final field.
A report from Crash.net suggests that a grid of up to 18 riders remains possible if the expected substitutes compete and riders targeting a return are cleared.
That is different from the current count of 13 confirmed participants.
Marc Márquez approaches first championship opportunity
Marc Márquez arrives in Qatar after winning the Malaysian Grand Prix and extending his championship lead to 44 points over Jorge Martín.
The Ducati rider now has 399 points, compared with Martín’s 355 and Marco Bezzecchi’s 332.
Márquez can secure the title at Lusail if he gains sufficient points over his remaining challengers during the sprint and Grand Prix.
The uncertainty surrounding Martín’s fitness could influence the championship battle, although his participation has not been definitively ruled out.
The title calculations explain what Márquez needs to become world champion in Qatar.
MotoGP maintains Qatar race despite security concerns
The championship continues to insist that the Qatar Grand Prix will proceed as scheduled.
MotoGP says it has consulted Qatari authorities, Lusail International Circuit and independent security advisers, concluding that the available information does not require a change of plans.
However, riders have raised questions about emergency evacuation, travel arrangements and responsibility for personnel if the regional security situation deteriorates.
Marco Bezzecchi, Ai Ogura and Johann Zarco reportedly declined to sign a riders’ protest letter, while other signatories have indicated they still intend to travel.
The Qatar Grand Prix remains scheduled for November 6–8, with practice on Friday, qualifying and 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.
FAQ
How many riders are confirmed for the Qatar MotoGP?
Thirteen riders have been identified as confirmed so far by GRANDE PRÊMIO. The final entry list may be larger as medical clearances and replacement arrangements are completed.
Is Jake Dixon replacing Joan Mir in Qatar?
Dixon is reportedly expected to replace Mir at Honda, according to The Race, but official confirmation was pending in the reporting consulted.
Can Marc Márquez win the 2026 MotoGP title in Qatar?
Yes. Márquez leads Jorge Martín by 44 points and has his first mathematical opportunity to secure the championship at Lusail.
