Controversial MotoGP event in Qatar: The scale of Yamaha’s withdrawal

The big winner at the Malaysian Grand Prix was Marc Marquez. With a second-place finish in the Sprint and his victory in the Grand Prix, the Ducati rider took a decisive step towards his tenth World Championship title. Jorge Martin (Aprilia) initially gave it his all to hold his own despite a broken wrist, but on Saturday the ‘Martinator’ had to throw in the towel and head home. And: the feared storms failed to materialise over the Sepang International Circuit.

Instead, a storm was brewing elsewhere. The Qatar Grand Prix will therefore go ahead as planned next week – despite the continuing uncertainty in the Middle East. The race weekend in the Doha desert was consequently a key topic of discussion in Malaysia too. In the MotoGP paddock, nobody really wants to make the trip to Qatar, yet – based on the current facts and setting aside emotional considerations – the Grand Prix is going ahead.

Then , on Sunday, following the MotoGP race in Sepang, came the big bombshell: Yamaha Racing drew its conclusions and announced that it would not be travelling to Qatar. After a fresh assessment of the situation in the Middle East, it had found no sufficient grounds to change the existing company-wide travel restrictions. Yamaha did not provide much further information on the matter. Neither the riders nor the Yamaha bosses were available for comment late on Sunday afternoon in Sepang.

MotoGP: Yamaha factory team and Pramac to miss Qatar

The decision not to take part in the 2026 Qatar GP affects both Yamaha teams – the factory team and Pramac. The Italian satellite team receives full factory support from Yamaha and is kitted out with the latest equipment. Jack Miller and Toprak Razgatlioglu are under contract directly with Yamaha. In addition, Yamaha engineers and mechanics work across the board for the Pramac organisation.

Pramac will nevertheless be present in Doha – with its Moto2 team and riders Izan Guevara and Alberto Ferrandez. A non-participation would be disastrous for the team from a sporting perspective – Guevara is in the thick of the battle for the 2026 Moto2 World Championship title. He is currently just 3.5 points behind leader Manuel Gonzalez (Intact GP) in the overall standings.

Topic of the week

Soon-to-be world champion Kimi Antonelli: The inevitable will then follow in Mexico

The 20-year-old Italian Kimi Antonelli had the chance to secure the 2026 World Championship title at the US Grand Prix. He did everything right: victory in Texas. The title celebrations have nevertheless been postponed. Until Mexico.

Mathias Brunner

Read More

TV Program

Live

Losail: International Livestream

MotoGP World Championship

06.11.2026 - 10:55

In MotoGP, the sporting damage for Yamaha is limited. In the riders’ standings, Quartararo, Miller and Rins are in 14th, 19th and 20th places respectively. Toprak Razgatlioglu, who had to end his season early due to injury anyway, is in 21st place. In the Constructors’ Championship, Yamaha is languishing in fifth and last place. The Japanese manufacturer is prepared to accept the contractual penalties threatened by the MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group.

As things stand, only 18 MotoGP riders will line up on the starting grid in Qatar – provided Jorge Martin gives it another go despite his broken wrist. Raúl Fernández (Trackhouse) is keen to return, Joan Mir is feeling better, and a replacement rider will be called up for Alex Márquez (the Gresini rider is undergoing surgery).

The list of uncertainties has now grown long. Next weekend in the desert, the MotoGP stars will try to flip down their visors and block out the storm.