MotoGP manufacturer confirms sensational withdrawal from Qatar round

Yamaha has confirmed it will not take part in the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix, citing "company-wide travel restrictions" linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The manufacturer issued a statement revealing it has informed MotoGP it does not intend to run its four bikes at the Lusail circuit, with concerns mounting over a potential escalation in the USA-Iran war.

"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," the statement read.

"As a result, Yamaha has informed MotoGP Group about its decision not to participate in the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix.

"This decision reflects Yamaha's assessment of the information currently available and is independent of the measures implemented by MotoGP Group and the event organiser.

"Yamaha remains fully committed to MotoGP and looks forward to returning to competition at the Portuguese Grand Prix."

The statement does not mention specific teams by name, but it is understood to apply to Yamaha's factory outfit as well as partner squad Pramac.

MotoGP warns of 'consequences' after Yamaha withdrawal

MotoGP has issued a response to the news, stating that the non-participation from Yamaha will likely result in 'sporting implications'.

“MotoGP is disappointed by Yamaha's decision not to participate in the Qatar Grand Prix,” it said.

“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.

“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 for the event.

“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.

“In addition to the contractual implications of Yamaha's decision for its agreements with MotoGP and IRTA, Yamaha's non-participation also carries sporting implications, with any sporting consequences to be managed by the FIM in accordance with the Championship regulations.”