MotoGP: Yamaha Withdraws from Qatar Race

The MotoGP racing team Yamaha will not compete in the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix. The team announced this in a statement on Sunday.

"Company-wide Travel Restrictions"

"Following a renewed assessment of the situation in the Middle East, Yamaha has found no sufficient reasons to change its existing company-wide travel restrictions," the team's statement reads.

Yamaha has informed the MotoGP Group about its withdrawal from the Grand Prix.

MotoGP also reacted with a statement: "While we acknowledge that the team is subject to an overarching company policy that restricts travel to the Middle East, we believe that this decision does not align with the comprehensive assurances given to all stakeholders of the championship."

Legal Consequences Expected

Apart from Yamaha, all other teams are expected to compete in Qatar.

"We have communicated this position along with the latest available information to all manufacturers and teams today and welcome the confirmation from the remaining participants that they will compete in Qatar, and thank them for this commitment," the MotoGP Group announced.

Yamaha's absence is also likely to have legal consequences. MotoGP pointed this out in its statement: "In addition to the contractual implications of Yamaha's decision on its agreements with MotoGP and IRTA, Yamaha's non-participation also has sporting implications, with any sporting consequences being regulated by the FIM in accordance with the championship regulations."

However, the racing team clarifies that the withdrawal refers exclusively to the Qatar Grand Prix. The team intends to compete again in Portugal as planned.