Sports · Motorsport · 1 hr ago
Yamaha withdraws from Qatar MotoGP race over safety concerns
Yamaha has withdrawn from next weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix because of safety concerns about travel to the Middle East.
The Japanese manufacturer says its assessment did not justify changing its company-wide travel restrictions.
The race is scheduled for 6–8 November at Lusail International Circuit in Qatar.
MotoGP says the rest of the grid plans to compete, after consulting Qatar, the circuit and safety advisers.
It says Yamaha’s withdrawal may breach its championship agreements and carry sporting consequences.
The FIM will decide any sporting sanctions under the championship rules.
Yamaha says it remains committed to MotoGP and plans to return for the Portuguese Grand Prix, with two races left after Qatar this month.
Yamaha has withdrawn from the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix, citing its company-wide travel restrictions and safety concerns in the Middle East.
MotoGP said it was disappointed and warned that Yamaha could face sporting consequences for not competing.
The FIM will manage any sporting consequences under the championship regulations.
MotoGP said the other teams had confirmed they would compete at Lusail International Circuit.
Yamaha said it remains committed to MotoGP and expects to return at the Portuguese Grand Prix.
- Who
- Yamaha has withdrawn from the race. MotoGP warned of possible consequences, which the FIM will manage.
- What
- Yamaha will not participate in the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix.
- When
- The race weekend is scheduled for November 6–8, 2026.
- Where
- Lusail International Circuit, Qatar.
- Why
- Yamaha said its assessment gave it insufficient grounds to change its company-wide travel restrictions for the Middle East.
Yamaha
MotoGP
Safety and travel restrictions
Yamaha
Yamaha said its assessment did not give it sufficient grounds to change its company-wide travel restrictions.
MotoGP
MotoGP said it had received no information warranting a change to the event plans.
Participation and consequences
Yamaha
Yamaha decided not to participate in the Qatar Grand Prix.
MotoGP
MotoGP said the withdrawal had contractual and sporting implications, with any sporting consequences to be managed by the FIM.
Formula 1 and the FIA called off races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in April over safety concerns related to the Iran war.
Yamaha informed MotoGP that it would not participate in the Qatar Grand Prix.
The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled to take place at Lusail International Circuit.
Yamaha said it expected to return to competition at the Portuguese Grand Prix.
- Race
- 2026 Qatar Grand Prix
- Scheduled dates
- November 6–8, 2026
- Circuit
- Lusail International Circuit, Qatar
- Sanctions authority
- FIM
- Yamaha constructors' standing
- Last, with 105 points
- Ducati constructors' standing
- First, with 537 points
3 sources
What people are saying
We do not believe this decision reflects the extensive assurances provided to all championship stakeholders
In addition to the contractual implications of Yamaha's decision for its agreements with MotoGP and IRTA, Yamaha's non-participation also carries sporting implications, with any sporting consequences to be managed by the FIM in accordance with the Championship regulations.
Following its latest assessment of the situation in the Middle East, Yamaha has not identified sufficient grounds to change its existing company-wide travel restrictions
Yamaha remains fully committed to MotoGP and looks forward to returning to competition at the Portuguese Grand Prix