Yamaha has officially withdrawn from the upcoming 20th round of the 2026 MotoGP season on November 1, citing safety concerns surrounding the geopolitical conflict in the Middle East for both the factory team and the Pramac squad ahead of the scheduled races at Lusail.
While the factory Yamaha team and its satellite partner Pramac pull out of the trip, the championship organizer maintains that the race will proceed as planned from November 6 to 8 at the Lusail International Circuit.
Yamaha Pulls Four Bikes From Lusail Grid Over Middle East Safety Risks
According to the official Yamaha announcement, the company evaluated the security climate and concluded that its internal corporate travel restrictions must remain in place across the entire group.
The refusal to travel stems from widespread concerns regarding regional instability and the threat of an escalation tied to the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran.
Yamaha remains fully committed to the championship and intends to return to action at the subsequent Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimão, which is scheduled from November 20 to 22, followed by the season finale in Valencia from November 27 to 29. However, the decision to skip the Doha weekend was made independently of measures implemented by the event organizer.
Championship Organization Responds With Disappointment and Sanction Warnings
The response from the championship management was swift and pointed.
MotoGP is disappointed by Yamaha’s decision not to participate in the Grand Prix of Qatar. While we recognize that the team is subject to a corporate policy limiting travel to the Middle East, we do not believe this decision reflects the extensive reassurances provided to all parties involved in the championship.
Aside from contractual breaches concerning agreements with the championship and the International Road Racing Teams Association, the governing body warned that the absence carries concrete sporting ramifications. The FIM will oversee potential penalties under the official championship regulations, while championship deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta traveled to Doha to verify the conditions on the ground.
Riders Debate Safety and Paddock Plans Ahead of Lusail
Jack Miller voiced strong discontent regarding the atmosphere in the paddock, pointing to widespread reluctance across the competing lineups after riders gathered in Yamaha’s office spaces at Sepang on Friday, October 30, to discuss safety precautions and demands such as evacuation plans and repatriation insurance, while Yamaha stands alone as the sole manufacturer choosing to sit out the weekend.
I don’t want to go. Like everyone. There are 19 of us who don’t want to go there. I don’t think we should race under these conditions. We have expressed our opinion very clearly about this.
Jack Miller
Despite earlier discussions among riders about potential safety demands—including structured evacuation plans and enhanced insurance policies—the remaining teams on the grid have confirmed their commitment to race. Alongside the premier class developments, Alex Marquez confirmed an upcoming collarbone surgery following the Sepang weekend, adding to the physical and logistical hurdles facing competitors as European diplomatic advisories from nations like Spain continue to caution against non-essential travel to the Persian Gulf.