{"id":4873,"date":"2026-11-02T17:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T20:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/?p=4873"},"modified":"2026-11-02T17:02:36","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T20:02:36","slug":"how-many-riders-will-race-in-qatar-motogp-grid-shrinks-after-yamaha-withdrawal-and-injuries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/motogp\/how-many-riders-will-race-in-qatar-motogp-grid-shrinks-after-yamaha-withdrawal-and-injuries\/","title":{"rendered":"How many riders will race in Qatar? MotoGP grid shrinks after Yamaha withdrawal and injuries"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">News Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>At least five MotoGP entries will be absent from the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix<\/strong>, following Yamaha&#8217;s withdrawal and \u00c1lex M\u00e1rquez&#8217;s decision to undergo surgery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Jorge Mart\u00edn, Ra\u00fal Fern\u00e1ndez, Ferm\u00edn Aldeguer and Joan Mir face fitness questions<\/strong>, with their participation dependent on medical assessments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The starting grid could fall to around 14 riders in a severe scenario<\/strong>, although replacements and late medical clearances could increase the number.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 2026 Qatar Grand Prix faces the prospect of one of the smallest starting grids in modern MotoGP history, with <strong>five entries already ruled out and several other riders facing medical uncertainty<\/strong> ahead of the November 6\u20138 event at Lusail. Yamaha&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Yamaha withdrawal removes four motorcycles from Qatar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yamaha confirmed on Sunday (November 1) that it would not travel to Qatar after reviewing the security situation in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decision affects both the factory Yamaha team and Pramac, which depends on Yamaha personnel for its MotoGP operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fabio Quartararo, \u00c1lex Rins and Jack Miller will consequently miss the event, alongside Augusto Fern\u00e1ndez, who had been replacing the injured Toprak Razgatl\u0131o\u011flu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/motogp\/marc-marquez-plans-late-qatar-arrival-as-yamaha-withdraws-from-motogp-over-safety-fears\/\">The withdrawal has created a major dispute between Yamaha and MotoGP organisers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MotoGP expressed disappointment with the decision and warned that contractual and sporting consequences could follow, with the FIM responsible for any sporting sanctions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/quartararo-motogp-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1020320172\" srcset=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/quartararo-motogp-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/quartararo-motogp-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/quartararo-motogp-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/quartararo-motogp-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/quartararo-motogp.jpg 1260w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fabio Quartararo (Photo: Yamaha)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u00c1lex M\u00e1rquez also out as four riders face medical uncertainty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00c1lex M\u00e1rquez has confirmed that he will miss the Qatar Grand Prix to undergo surgery to remove a plate inserted following his previous collarbone injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His absence leaves Gresini needing a replacement, with Iker Lecuona expected to remain involved in the team&#8217;s plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, four other riders face varying degrees of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jorge Mart\u00edn is recovering from the wrist fracture sustained during the Australian Grand Prix sprint and hopes to return after missing Malaysia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ra\u00fal Fern\u00e1ndez is attempting to recover from a fractured finger, while Ferm\u00edn Aldeguer is targeting medical clearance after his hand injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Joan Mir also faces questions about his fitness after recurring symptoms forced him out of the Malaysian Grand Prix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DS_6673-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1020319913\" srcset=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DS_6673-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DS_6673-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DS_6673-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DS_6673-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DS_6673-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DS_6673-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u00c1lex M\u00e1rquez (Photo: MotoGP)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Qatar MotoGP \u2014 Confirmed absences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Rider<\/th><th>Team<\/th><th>Reason<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>F. QUARTARARO<\/td><td>Yamaha<\/td><td>Manufacturer withdrawal<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u00c1. RINS<\/td><td>Yamaha<\/td><td>Manufacturer withdrawal<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>J. MILLER<\/td><td>Pramac Yamaha<\/td><td>Manufacturer withdrawal<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>A. FERN\u00c1NDEZ<\/td><td>Pramac Yamaha<\/td><td>Manufacturer withdrawal<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u00c1. M\u00c1RQUEZ<\/td><td>Gresini Ducati<\/td><td>Surgery<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Augusto Fern\u00e1ndez occupied the Pramac entry as substitute for Toprak Razgatl\u0131o\u011flu. The table counts affected entries, not both riders separately.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Riders whose participation remains uncertain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Rider<\/th><th>Team<\/th><th>Situation<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>J. MART\u00cdN<\/td><td>Aprilia<\/td><td>Wrist injury<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>R. FERN\u00c1NDEZ<\/td><td>Trackhouse Aprilia<\/td><td>Finger fracture<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>F. ALDEGUER<\/td><td>Gresini Ducati<\/td><td>Hand injury<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>J. MIR<\/td><td>Honda<\/td><td>Recurring fitness concerns<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Could Qatar have only 14 MotoGP starters?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The regular MotoGP grid contains 22 entries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yamaha&#8217;s withdrawal removes four, leaving 18 potential participants. \u00c1lex M\u00e1rquez&#8217;s absence reduces the number further, although a replacement could preserve Gresini&#8217;s second entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the four riders currently facing fitness questions were also unable to compete, the field could shrink substantially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A grid of approximately 14 riders is possible under a severe scenario<\/strong>, depending on the availability of replacements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, that figure is not confirmed and should not be treated as an official starting grid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The comparison with previous seasons illustrates the scale of the potential reduction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the 2011 Australian Grand Prix, only 14 riders started the premier-class race, while Silverstone and Assen in 2010 each had 15 starters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Qatar could approach those historical lows if the current uncertainties are not resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MotoGP maintains Qatar plans as M\u00e1rquez approaches title opportunity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite Yamaha&#8217;s withdrawal, MotoGP says it has received no information requiring a change to the event&#8217;s schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Organisers have consulted local authorities, the circuit and independent security advisers, while continuing to monitor developments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/motogp\/jack-miller-says-19-motogp-riders-oppose-qatar-gp-and-demands-safety-accountability\/\">Jack Miller previously revealed the extent of opposition among riders<\/a>, although signing a protest letter does not necessarily mean refusing to participate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The situation is especially significant for Marc M\u00e1rquez, who leads Jorge Mart\u00edn by 44 points after winning the Malaysian Grand Prix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/motogp\/what-does-marc-marquez-need-to-win-the-2026-motogp-title-at-qatar-gp\/\">The Ducati rider has his first opportunity to secure the 2026 championship in Qatar<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A reduced field could influence the title battle, particularly if Mart\u00edn is unable to return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The final entry list, medical clearances and replacement announcements will therefore be essential before Friday&#8217;s opening practice session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>GRANDE PR\u00caMIO<\/strong> is following every session of the Qatar Grand Prix this weekend, with breaking news, full coverage and real-time updates in its <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/motogp\/\">MotoGP section<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Yamaha&#8217;s boycott and \u00c1lex M\u00e1rquez&#8217;s surgery have removed five entries from the Qatar Grand Prix, while injuries to Jorge Mart\u00edn, Ra\u00fal Fern\u00e1ndez, Ferm\u00edn Aldeguer and Joan Mir could further reduce the field.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1020320178,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"42wp_featured_image_caption":"Qatar GP","42wp_featured_image_credits":"VR46","42wp_featured_video":"","42wp_ai_content_disclaimer":"","42wp_is_ai_content":false,"42wp_featured_image_hidden":false,"42wp_authors_list":[{"id":36,"location":""}],"footnotes":"","42wp_hide_from_automatic":false,"42wp_breaking_news":false},"categories":[38],"tags":[164,315,701,156],"42wp_author":[36],"class_list":["post-4873","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-motogp","tag-alex-marquez","tag-motogp-2026","tag-qatar-grand-prix","tag-yamaha","42wp_author-juliana-tesser"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4873","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4873"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4873\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4874,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4873\/revisions\/4874"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1020320178"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4873"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4873"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4873"},{"taxonomy":"42wp_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/42wp_author?post=4873"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}