YAMAHA WILL NOT COMPETE AT 2026 QATAR GRAND PRIX DUE TO TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
LUSAIL, Qatar — Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announced it will not participate in the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix, the championship opener, citing company-wide travel restrictions related to the Middle East situation.
In a statement released Sunday, Yamaha said it assessed the situation in the Middle East and determined it lacks sufficient grounds to change its existing company-wide travel restrictions. The Japanese manufacturer informed MotoGP Group of its decision, emphasizing it is independent of measures implemented by the championship and event organizer.
"This decision reflects Yamaha’s assessment of the information currently available," the statement read. "Yamaha remains fully committed to MotoGP and looks forward to returning to competition at the Portuguese Grand Prix."
The decision comes amid heightened regional tensions. On Sunday, 19 of 22 riders signed a letter to the championship expressing they do not want to travel to Qatar, citing safety concerns related to the armed conflict between the United States and Iran that has been ongoing since last February. Riders set a 4pm deadline for MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group to assume all responsibility in the event of possible escalation — a condition that was not met.
Jack Miller was the only rider to openly criticize the championship's decision to force teams to travel to an area exposed to armed conflict.
MotoGP Group expressed disappointment at Yamaha's decision but stated it has not received information warranting a change to current plans for the event. After consultation with the State of Qatar, Lusail International Circuit, independent safety advisers and its own risk assessment process, MotoGP confirmed it has received assurances from the Qatari government and will proceed with the race.
"MotoGP Group expects all stakeholders, including teams and riders, to fully comply with their contractual and regulatory obligations, and to act in good faith," said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MGPSEG. "Any failure to participate could negatively affect the championship, MotoGP Group, the FIM, the promoter, broadcasters, sponsors, commercial partners, spectators and other MotoGP stakeholders."
Beyond Yamaha's absence, five riders could potentially miss the race without facing sporting sanctions. Alex Marquez will not race after announcing he needs surgery on his right shoulder. Jorge Martin and Raul Fernandez have justified absences due to injuries sustained at Sepang. Notably, Aprilia rider Raul Fernandez's non-participation would practically hand the championship lead to Marc Marquez, who holds a 44-point advantage in the overall standings.
Joan Mir returned to action in Malaysia but retired before the halfway point of the main race when vision problems and dizziness returned. Fermin Aldeguer remains sidelined with a hand fracture sustained in Indonesia.
The situation remains fluid as the paddock navigates contractual obligations and safety concerns with the US midterm elections upcoming. Several riders changed flight plans to arrive in Doha as late as possible, forcing the organization to delay the start of official press conferences by four hours until evening.
MotoGP has secured guarantees from the Qatari government, but the absence of key participants underscores the complex balance between safety concerns, contractual commitments and sporting integrity in international motorsport.
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