Yamaha Pulls Out Of Qatar MotoGP Citing Middle East Security Fears
The Japanese manufacturer will skip next week's Qatar Grand Prix over the Middle East conflict, prompting a rebuke from MotoGP organisers and leaving satellite team Yamaha-Pramac's travel plans in doubt.
Yamaha will not send its factory MotoGP team to next weekend's Qatar Grand Prix because of the ongoing Middle East conflict, the manufacturer announced on Sunday, a decision first detailed by Autosport.
The withdrawal rules the Japanese manufacturer out of the 20th round of the season at the Losail International Circuit on 6-8 November, and could also affect its satellite outfit, Yamaha-Pramac.
The announcement came after Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix, with Yamaha saying it had assessed the risk and would not travel. "Yamaha has not identified sufficient grounds to change its existing company-wide travel restrictions," the manufacturer said.
The withdrawal rules out Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 world champion, and Alex Rins from the Qatar round.
Australian Jack Miller, who rides for Yamaha-Pramac, had already made his reluctance to travel clear before the announcement. "I have no desire to go," he said. "Just like everyone else. There are 19 (out of 22 riders) who do not want to go there."
"I do not think we should ride in those conditions. We have been very clear about our position," added Miller, a four-time MotoGP race winner.
The MotoGP Group said it was "disappointed" by Yamaha's call and warned of wider fallout, stating "Yamaha's non-participation also carries sporting implications."
The championship organiser added: "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."
MotoGP said its discussions with Qatari organisers and safety advisers had not produced any reason to alter plans for the event, and confirmed the rest of the grid intends to race. "We communicated that position, together with the latest available information, to all manufacturers and teams today and welcome the confirmation from the remainder of the grid that they will compete in Qatar, and we thank them for that commitment," the group said.
The wider conflict began on 28 February with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which retaliated by targeting Gulf states allied with Washington. Diplomatic efforts to end the fighting have since been disrupted by repeated threats from the United States and Israel to resume bombing Iran, while Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian infrastructure have also escalated in recent weeks.
The sport arrives in Doha with just three rounds remaining in the season. Ducati's Marc Marquez, the seven-time world champion, won Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang and could seal the title in Qatar.
Yahoo Sports reported that there had been unconfirmed talk in Sepang of disagreement among teams over whether to attend the Qatar round, with reports suggesting any team opting out could face penalties, though this has not been confirmed.
The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled to go ahead as planned at Losail from 6 to 8 November, with every other manufacturer and team on the grid having confirmed their participation.