VR46 Racing Director Salucci: “I respect the riders’ decisions”

Yamaha Racing’s withdrawal from the upcoming MotoGP weekend at the Losail International Circuit in Doha came as a bombshell that could not be ignored. At present, however, there is no information in the MotoGP paddock regarding the actual consequences for Yamaha, nor about any further potential withdrawals from the Qatar round. As things stand, ‘only’ the four official Yamaha riders (Quartararo, Rins, Miller, Fernandez) will be absent.

In addition, Gresini-Ducati ace Alex Marquez is unable to compete at the desert venue due to shoulder surgery. “If a rider really doesn’t want to compete there, it’s a very personal and private decision. Everyone has a different view on it. I respect the riders’ decision because the situation in Doha is, of course, not the best,” VR46-Ducati team manager Alessandro Salucci told Sky Italia.

“Our riders will, however, be present in Doha,” announced Rossi’s closest confidant. The Italian pointed out: “We have a contract with the MotoGP Group, which we must always honour and under which we must ensure that our riders take to the track. And we teams, in turn, have a contract with the riders.”

Die VR46-Piloten Fabio Di Giannantonio und Franco Morbidelli

Foto: Gold and Goose

Yamaha’s official withdrawal from Doha was a clear message from the Japanese manufacturer to the promoter – despite existing contracts and inevitable penalties. The riders, too, including World Championship leader Marc Marquez, have recently voiced concerns on several occasions about the packed schedule of races – the World Championship calendar, with its 22 events, is a constant source of controversy.

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06.11.2026 - 10:55