Conflict & Security
Yamaha pulls out of Qatar MotoGP over Middle East situation
Yamaha said Sunday it will not take part in next weekend's Qatar MotoGP, citing “the situation in the Middle East” and company-wide travel restrictions.
The Japanese manufacturer said it had not found sufficient grounds to change those restrictions. Fabio Quartararo of France, the 2021 world champion, is among the MotoGP riders using Yamaha bikes.
MotoGP Group said it was disappointed by Yamaha's decision and said the team's absence carried sporting implications. It said talks with Qatari organisers and safety advisers had not identified reasons to change plans for the event.
MotoGP Group said the rest of the grid had confirmed it would race in Qatar. The statements followed the Malaysian MotoGP at Sepang, where Ducati's reigning seven-time world champion Marc Marquez won and could clinch the title in Doha. Several riders declined to discuss the Qatar race afterward.
Update
MotoGP Group said the remainder of the grid had confirmed it would compete in Qatar.
Marc Marquez won the Malaysian MotoGP at Sepang and could clinch the title in Doha.
Several riders declined to discuss the Qatar race after the Malaysian MotoGP.
Source note: AFP news report published on 1 November 2026 at 11:38:43 UTC.
Update
The MotoGP Group said it was disappointed by Yamaha's decision.
The MotoGP Group said Yamaha's non-participation carries sporting implications.
MotoGP said talks with Qatari organisers and safety advisers had not identified reasons to change plans for the event.
Fabio Quartararo is among the MotoGP riders using Yamaha bikes.
Source note: AFP news report published on 1 November 2026 at 11:12:21 UTC.
Update
Yamaha said it had not found sufficient grounds to change its company-wide travel restrictions.
The withdrawal concerns next weekend's Qatar MotoGP.
Source note: AFP news report published on 1 November 2026 at 10:55:49 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
The supplied information does not detail the specific travel risks behind Yamaha's company-wide restrictions.
Marquez's possible title clinch in Doha is conditional.
Source
AFP news report published on .