Yamaha withdraws MotoGP team from Qatar Grand Prix, citing travel restrictions

Yamaha has withdrawn its factory MotoGP team from the Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit. The race is scheduled for 6-8 November. MotoGP says it will go ahead.

Yamaha cited company-wide travel restrictions linked to the situation in the Middle East. In a statement quoted by Al Jazeera, Yamaha said it "has not identified sufficient grounds to change its existing company-wide travel restrictions".

The decision was announced after the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang, which Marc Marquez won. MotoGP said it was disappointed. It said the rest of the grid has confirmed it will compete in Qatar. According to BBC Sport, this includes Honda and Yamaha's satellite team, Pramac Racing.

MotoGP said Yamaha's absence carries sporting implications. The reports do not specify what these would be. They also do not say whether Yamaha will take part in the remaining races.

The United States and Israel began military action against Iran in February. According to BBC Sport, Iran responded by firing missiles at Israel and at other countries in the region with links to the US. Al Jazeera reports that Qatar was subject to Iranian attacks from February to April. It also reports that on Friday a Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker was hit by unidentified objects in the Gulf.

According to BBC Sport, the race was postponed from April. Japan's government advises its citizens against non-essential travel to the region. BBC Sport also cites reports that 19 of the 22 riders signed a letter raising concerns about competing in Qatar during the war.

Al Jazeera reports that Yamaha's riders include France's Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 world champion, and Spain's Alex Rins. It also reports that Marquez could clinch the title in Doha. The reports do not include comments from either Yamaha rider.

Formula 1 plans to race in Qatar on 27-29 November and in Abu Dhabi on 4-6 December, according to BBC Sport. Liberty Media organises MotoGP and owns Formula 1.

What each side says

• Yamaha: It withdrew because of the situation in the Middle East and found insufficient grounds to change its travel restrictions.
• MotoGP Group: "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 quoted by Al Jazeera.
• Qatar: It can guarantee that teams would not be stranded if the conflict escalates, according to BBC Sport.
• Formula 1: It has received what it considers suitable security guarantees for its Qatar and Abu Dhabi races, according to BBC Sport.

Al Jazeera said it had requested comment from the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation. The reports do not include a response.

Analysis

Yamaha's withdrawal sets a corporate travel policy against assurances that MotoGP says it gave to all teams. How MotoGP applies the sporting implications it mentioned may shape how other manufacturers weigh similar policies. If the Qatar round proceeds without incident, supporters of MotoGP's approach may see it as justified. If security conditions change, Yamaha's caution may gain wider support. The situation may also matter for Formula 1, which plans races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. BBC Sport says Imola is being readied as a possible host for the final race. The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not allow either outcome to be determined.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.