Unstable situation in the Middle East: Yamaha boycotts Qatar race

Security concerns in the Middle East are escalating – Yamaha has officially withdrawn from the Qatar race – MotoGP reacts with bewilderment to the boycott

The Qatar Grand Prix is due to take place as scheduled this coming weekend, from 6 to 8 November. Over the past few days, there have been countless discussions in the MotoGP paddock about whether this race can go ahead given the tense situation in the Middle East.

The race this coming Sunday was originally scheduled for mid-April, but was postponed until the autumn following the outbreak of hostilities between the US and Israel on the one hand, and Iran on the other.

Although hostilities have subsided compared with the first few months of the conflict, instability across the entire region remains a constant source of uncertainty.

The risk of further attacks in the coming days remains acute. A key source of uncertainty is the role of US President Donald Trump, for whom important mid-term elections are due to take place on Tuesday.

This weekend in Malaysia, the MotoGP riders presented the MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (MotoGP SEG) with a document setting out five conditions that the promoter would have to fulfil in order to guarantee their participation.

These included an evacuation plan for all paddock staff, as well as life, repatriation and health insurance, to ensure they are covered for all eventualities should the crisis escalate.

On Sunday morning at 11:00 in Sepang, the team principals met with Carmelo and Carlos Ezpeleta, the CEO and deputy managing director of MotoGP SEG respectively.

During this meeting, the message to the teams once again focused on their contractual obligations towards the World Championship. MotoGP subsequently issued the following statement:

“This morning, MotoGP management met with the teams to review the latest information and assurances from the State of Qatar, the Lusail International Circuit, the relevant embassies and independent experts.”

“These internal and external assessments continue to inform our ongoing risk assessment and decision-making. We will continue to monitor developments closely.”

“We are in regular contact with all relevant authorities and stakeholders. Decisions of this magnitude must be based on the most up-to-date facts, the recommendations of official bodies and well-founded assessments available at the time. Should this assessment change, we will act accordingly.”

Yamaha cancels participation in Qatar

On Sunday afternoon, Yamaha made a decision. The Japanese manufacturer will not be travelling to Qatar. Neither the factory team nor the Pramac satellite team will be competing this coming weekend.

Yamaha’s statement reads: “Following a recent reassessment of the situation in the Middle East, Yamaha does not see sufficient grounds to adjust its existing company-wide travel restrictions.”

“Consequently, Yamaha has informed the MotoGP Group that it will not be taking part in the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix.”

“This decision reflects Yamaha’s assessment of the information currently available and is independent of the measures taken by the MotoGP Group and the local organiser.”

‘Yamaha remains fully committed to MotoGP and looks forward to returning to action at the Portuguese Grand Prix.’ The races in Portimão and Valencia are still on the calendar for late November.

However, the Pramac Moto2 team will compete in Qatar, as it is less reliant on Yamaha personnel. Izan Guevara is in contention for the world title and trails IntactGP rider Manuel Gonzalez by 3.5 points.

Honda, the second Japanese manufacturer, has confirmed its participation in Qatar: “Honda HRC will take part in Round 20 of the MotoGP in Qatar. We have worked closely with the riders, our team members and MotoGP SEG to ensure that the race weekend can go ahead as planned.”

The three European manufacturers – Ducati, Aprilia and KTM – will also be travelling to Qatar.

MotoGP SEG comments on Yamaha’s decision

Immediately after Yamaha had officially announced its decision, MotoGP SEG also issued a statement. It “regrets” Yamaha’s decision.

“Whilst we recognise that the team is subject to an overarching corporate policy restricting travel to the Middle East, we nevertheless believe that this decision does not do justice to the comprehensive assurances given to all those involved in the World Championship,” said MotoGP SEG.

“Following consultation with the State of Qatar, the Lusail International Circuit and independent security advisers, and based on MotoGP’s ongoing risk assessment process, MotoGP has no information that would justify a change to the current plans for the event.”

“We have communicated this position, together with the latest available information, to all manufacturers and teams today, and welcome the confirmation from the rest of the field that they will be competing in Qatar. We thank them for this commitment.‘

’In addition to the contractual implications that Yamaha’s decision has on its agreements with MotoGP and the IRTA, Yamaha’s absence also has sporting consequences, which will be dealt with by the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) in accordance with the World Championship regulations.”