11/01/2026 07:03:00
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11/01 07:01 CST Yamaha pulls out of next weekend's MotoGP race in Qatar over
safety concerns in the Middle East
Yamaha pulls out of next weekend's MotoGP race in Qatar over safety concerns in
the Middle East
IWATA, Japan (AP) --- MotoGP team Yamaha could face punishment after saying
Sunday it will not race in the Qatar Grand Prix next weekend over safety
concerns in the Middle East.
The Japanese team said in a statement that it assessed the situation and made
its decision independently from MotoGP Group and the event organizer. The race
was scheduled to be held from Friday to Sunday at Lusail International Circuit.
"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 racing said. "As a result, Yamaha has informed
MotoGP Group about its decision not to participate in the 2026 Qatar Grand
Prix."
MotoGP expressed its disappointment with Yamaha's announcement.
"We do not believe this decision reflects the extensive assurances provided to
all championship stakeholders," MotoGP said in a statement. "Following
consultation with the State of Qatar, Lusail International Circuit, independent
safety advisers and MotoGP's own ongoing risk assessment process, MotoGP has
not received any information that would warrant a change to the current plans."
Moto GP also said it has assurances from "the remainder of the grid that they
will compete in Qatar" and warned Yamaha that it had contractual obligations
and could face punishment.
"Yamaha's non-participation also carries sporting implications," MotoGP said.
"With any sporting consequences to be managed by the FIM (The International
Motorcycling Federation) in accordance with the Championship regulations."
Following the Qatar GP there are two races left this month in Portugal and
Spain.
"Yamaha remains fully committed to MotoGP and looks forward to returning to
competition at the Portuguese Grand Prix," the team said.
Yamaha is currently last in the constructors' championship on 105 points, with
Ducati leading on 537.
Several riders are reportedly pushing to call off next week's race.
In March, Formula 1 and its governing body, the FIA, called off Grand Prix
races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in April because of safety concerns related
to the Iran war.
The cancellations came as Iran struck both countries in its response to U.S.
and Israeli airstrikes.
Losing two races in lucrative Middle East markets was a financial hit to F1 and
its teams.
The F1 season is scheduled to finish with races in Qatar on Nov. 29 and Abu
Dhabi on Dec. 6. -__
AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
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