From Road & Track · Victoria Beaver · · 1m
Yamaha Drops Qatar MotoGP Race Over Safety Concerns
Yamaha exits 2026 Qatar MotoGP due to Middle East travel restrictions.
In brief
Yamaha exits 2026 Qatar MotoGP due to Middle East travel restrictions. Yamaha won't compete in 2026 Qatar Grand Prix after assessing Middle East safety risks. Originally reported by Road & Track.
Yamaha Withdraws From Qatar Grand Prix
Yamaha becomes the first team to pull out of the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix due to Middle East travel restrictions.
“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's Safety Assessment
Yamaha states it has not identified sufficient grounds to change its existing company-wide travel restrictions in the Middle East.
“yamaha has not identified sufficient grounds to change its existing company-wide travel restrictions”
MotoGP's Response
MotoGP expresses disappointment that Yamaha's decision does not account for its safety assurances to stakeholders.
“moto gp is disappointed by yamaha's decision not to participate in the qatar grand prix”
Yamaha Riders' Standings
Yamaha riders Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins sit 14th and 20th in the standings, with Jack Miller at 19th.
“currently, monster energy yamaha's riders fabio quartararo and alex rins sit 14th and 20th in the standings, as prima pramac yamaha's jack miller sits 19th”
MotoGP's Safety Process
MotoGP claims its consultations with Qatar, Lusail Circuit, and safety advisors provide enough certainty for the event.
“following consultation with the state of qatar, lusail international circuit, independent safety advisers and moto gp's own ongoing risk assessment process, moto gp has not received any information that would warrant a change to the current plans for the event”
Consequence for Yamaha
Yamaha's non-participation carries sporting and contractual implications for its agreements with MotoGP and IRTA.
“in addition to the contractual implications of yamaha's decision for its agreements with moto gp and irta, yamaha's non-participation also carries sporting implications”
The short version
Yamaha won't compete in 2026 Qatar Grand Prix after assessing Middle East safety risks.
