News Summary
- The Qatar MotoGP Grand Prix faces a growing participation crisis after Yamaha withdrew its four entries and injuries raised further questions about the starting grid.
- Marco Bezzecchi, Ai Ogura and Johann Zarco reportedly declined to sign a riders’ protest letter, highlighting divisions over the event’s safety arrangements.
- Marc Márquez heads to Lusail with a 44-point championship advantage, giving the Ducati rider his first opportunity to secure the 2026 title.
MotoGP faces a difficult week ahead of the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix, with Yamaha’s withdrawal, disagreements among riders over safety and a growing list of injuries threatening to reduce the starting grid. Organisers continue to insist that the event will proceed at Lusail on November 6–8, despite concerns about the security situation in the Middle East.
The controversy comes at a decisive moment in the championship, with Marc Márquez approaching his first opportunity to secure the world title after winning the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Yamaha withdraws as MotoGP insists Qatar race will proceed
Yamaha has confirmed that neither its factory team nor its Pramac operation will participate in Qatar.
The manufacturer cited company-wide travel restrictions linked to the security situation in the Middle East, explaining that its latest assessment had not provided sufficient justification to change its position.
The withdrawal removes four entries from the event.
MotoGP expressed disappointment and warned that contractual and sporting consequences could follow, although no specific sanction has been confirmed.
The Yamaha withdrawal has intensified the dispute over whether Qatar should host the Grand Prix.
Other manufacturers have indicated that they intend to participate, while organisers continue to monitor the security situation.
Bezzecchi, Ogura and Zarco reportedly decline protest letter
A further development emerged on Monday concerning the riders’ collective response to the Qatar Grand Prix.
According to reporting attributed to Spanish journalist Mela Chércoles, Marco Bezzecchi, Ai Ogura and Johann Zarco were the three riders who did not sign a letter questioning the decision to proceed with the event.
The document reportedly received support from 19 riders, although signing it does not necessarily mean refusing to race.
Nine signatories have reportedly informed their teams that they intend to travel to Qatar.
Bezzecchi, Ogura and Zarco were identified as the reported non-signatories.
Bezzecchi has expressed confidence in MotoGP’s safety procedures, while also respecting the decisions of riders who do not wish to attend.
Qatar starting grid could be dramatically reduced
The withdrawal of Yamaha and the absence of Álex Márquez have already reduced the number of expected participants.
Álex Márquez will miss the Grand Prix after deciding to undergo shoulder surgery following his podium finish in Malaysia.
Other riders, including Jorge Martín, Fermín Aldeguer and Joan Mir, face medical or fitness questions ahead of the weekend.
The situation has raised the possibility of an unusually small starting grid, depending on medical clearances and replacement riders.
The latest breakdown of Qatar’s potential grid separates confirmed absences from uncertain entries.
A grid of approximately 14 riders remains a possible scenario rather than a confirmed entry list.
Márquez prepares for first 2026 championship opportunity
Marc Márquez arrives in Qatar after strengthening his championship lead with victory in Malaysia.
The Ducati rider has 44 points more than Jorge Martín and 67 more than Marco Bezzecchi, with three scheduled rounds remaining.
Márquez could secure the title at Lusail if he increases his advantage sufficiently over his remaining challengers.
However, Martín’s physical condition and the uncertainty surrounding the Qatar event could significantly influence the championship battle.
The title permutations show what Márquez needs to become champion in Qatar.
Márquez also plans to arrive at Lusail as late as Thursday, limiting the time he spends in Qatar before track activity begins.
What happens next in MotoGP?
The immediate priority is confirmation of the Qatar entry list, including replacement riders and medical clearances.
MotoGP organisers must also continue assessing security arrangements as teams and riders prepare to travel.
On track, the weekend could be decisive for the championship, with Márquez seeking to extend his advantage and potentially secure the title before the final two rounds.
The Qatar Grand Prix remains scheduled for November 6–8, but any change to the event or participating field will require updated championship calculations.
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.
