Yamaha and several riders withdraw from Qatar MotoGP amid safety concerns
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Nov 2, 2026, 10:00 AM
Last updated Nov 2, 2026
Yamaha has confirmed it will not participate in the upcoming MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix due to safety concerns related to ongoing regional conflicts, prompting significant discussions among teams and riders. The decision was made after team managers met with MotoGP executives to discuss travel and safety guarantees, but riders did not receive the assurances they requested. Other riders may follow Yamaha's lead, as absences are anticipated from Alex Marquez and potentially others due to injuries. The situation remains fluid as teams adjust travel plans ahead of the event in Doha.
- •Yamaha cites insufficient safety guarantees for its withdrawal from Qatar.
- •Jack Miller criticized MotoGP's insistence on traveling to conflict-affected areas.
- •Riders face potential sanctions for non-participation amid uncertainty.
- •Alex Marquez and others might miss the race due to injuries.
- •Teams are changing flight plans to minimize time in Doha.
- 10:00 AMYahoo Sports — How MotoGP teams and riders are organising themselves for their arrival in Qatar
- 10:00 AMMotorsport.com — How MotoGP teams and riders are organising themselves for their arrival in Qatar
- 10:00 AMAutosport — How MotoGP teams and riders are organising themselves for their arrival in Qatar
"Sunday was a 'race day' at Sepang - and not just for the bikes. Meetings followed one another in the paddock of the Malaysian circuit throughout the day. At 11am, the team managers of the different teams met with the executives of MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (MGPSEG). The teams then also held discussions among themselves to try to find out what each one's position was. The riders, for ...Keep reading
"Sunday was a 'race day' at Sepang - and not just for the bikes. Meetings followed one another in the paddock of the Malaysian circuit throughout the day. At 11am, the team managers of the different teams met with the executives of MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (MGPSEG). The teams then also held discussions among themselves to try to find out what each one's position was. The riders, for ...Keep reading
"Yamaha's decision not to attend the MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix is the most significant one, but it is not the only one that teams and riders have taken in an attempt to delay their arrival in Doha as much as possible
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsNov 2, 2026, 10:00 AMHow MotoGP teams and riders are organising themselves for their arrival in Qatar
Yamaha's decision not to attend the MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix is the most significant one, but it is not the only one that teams and riders have taken in an attempt to delay their arrival in Doha as much as possible
- Motorsport.comNov 2, 2026, 10:00 AMHow MotoGP teams and riders are organising themselves for their arrival in Qatar
Sunday was a 'race day' at Sepang - and not just for the bikes. Meetings followed one another in the paddock of the Malaysian circuit throughout the day. At 11am, the team managers of the different teams met with the executives of MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (MGPSEG). The teams then also held discussions among themselves to try to find out what each one's position was. The riders, for ...Keep reading
- AutosportNov 2, 2026, 10:00 AMHow MotoGP teams and riders are organising themselves for their arrival in Qatar
Sunday was a 'race day' at Sepang - and not just for the bikes. Meetings followed one another in the paddock of the Malaysian circuit throughout the day. At 11am, the team managers of the different teams met with the executives of MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (MGPSEG). The teams then also held discussions among themselves to try to find out what each one's position was. The riders, for ...Keep reading
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