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Yamaha Withdraws from Qatar MotoGP Race
· Confirmed
In Short: Yamaha has withdrawn its MotoGP team from the upcoming race in Qatar, citing security concerns.
Yamaha has withdrawn its MotoGP team from the upcoming race in Qatar, citing security concerns related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to Al Jazeera and the BBC.
Al Jazeera reported that among the racers on the MotoGP grid riding Yamaha bikes is France’s Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 world champion, while the BBC noted that MotoGP is proceeding with the race despite concerns raised by riders.
Crash.net and Speedcafe reported that Honda HRC will compete in the Qatar Grand Prix, with Honda stating they have been working closely with riders, team members, and MotoGPSEG to ensure the event goes ahead.
Yamaha stated in a press release that their decision is independent of the measures implemented by MotoGP Group and the event organizer, as reported by Gulfnews and Speedcafe.
Gulfnews also noted that Yamaha conducted its own assessment before deciding to withdraw from the event, independently of MotoGP Group and the race organizers.
Yamaha has not identified sufficient grounds to change its existing company-wide travel restrictions after assessing the situation.
Mcnews reported that there had already been considerable unrest over the championship’s insistence on proceeding with the Qatar round, despite the ongoing conflict in the region and concerns about emergency evacuation, insurance, and the safety of paddock personnel.
Motogpnews and Motorsport.com confirmed that Yamaha has informed the championship promoter of its decision, and that the team remains fully committed to MotoGP and looks forward to returning to competition at the Portuguese Grand Prix.
The situation has escalated into a major standoff between Yamaha and the organizers, with MotoGPSEG, majority owned by Liberty Media, dealing with a crisis.
Despite Yamaha's withdrawal, MotoGPSEG remains committed to the event, with the FIM managing any sporting consequences in accordance with Championship regulations.
The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for November 8, and Yamaha's decision has left many riders and fans concerned about the safety and security of the event.
Yamaha's withdrawal highlights the complex and sensitive nature of organizing international sporting events in regions affected by conflict.
What's confirmed
- "Yamaha remains fully committed to MotoGP and looks forward to returning to competition at the Portuguese Grand Prix." MGPSEG (MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group) is majority owned by Liberty Media, who have an 84 per cent controlling stake, alongside MotoGP management, who make up the remaining 16 per cent.
- Yamaha have announced that they will not be racing at the Qatar Grand Prix next weekend.
- “MotoGP is disappointed by Yamaha's decision not to participate in the Qatar Grand Prix. While we recognise the team is subject to a broader corporate policy restricting travel to the Middle East, we do not believe this decision reflects the extensive assurances provided to all championship stakeholders,” it said in a statement.
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