Qatar GP Loses Four Bikes as Yamaha Refuses to Race Despite MotoGP Consequences

Yamaha withdraws from Qatar

Yamaha said Sunday it would not travel to Lusail International Circuit for the Qatar Grand Prix. The Japanese manufacturer cited its company-wide restriction on travel to the Middle East and said its decision was based on information available to the company.

The withdrawal affects Yamaha’s two factory bikes and Pramac’s two satellite bikes. Yamaha expects to return for the following round in Portugal, but MotoGP’s response raised the possibility that the manufacturer may not be allowed back. Both teams occupy the last two positions in the teams’ standings.

MotoGP warns of consequences

MotoGP threatened contractual and sporting implications for Yamaha, but did not detail the financial or competitive penalties. Organizers said every other team had committed to racing in Qatar.

The dispute comes amid concern about renewed U.S. hostilities against Iran after the midterm elections. The article says riders have been dissatisfied with the situation, despite assurances from MotoGP.

Riders oppose the race

Riders first discussed Qatar privately at Phillip Island before the Australian Grand Prix. The Race reported that MotoGP later declined to provide them with a meeting room at Sepang, so they gathered in Yamaha hospitality instead.

Safety concerns remain

Alex Marquez chose to have surgery on his right shoulder, injured in May, and aims to miss only Qatar. The article says other riders with lingering injuries could also withdraw.

The race would involve hundreds of people working across MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3. Lusail Circuit is 27 miles from Al Udeid Air Base, described as the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East; organizers cannot guarantee safe passage out of Qatar if conditions worsen or prevent a strike on the circuit.