Contractual implications flagged as organisers insist Lusail event will proceed as planned
MotoGP has responded after Yamaha confirmed it will not participate in the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix, with the championship stressing it has “not received any information that would warrant a change to the current plans for the event” and flagging “contractual implications” stemming from Yamaha’s decision.
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd said its decision followed “its latest assessment of the situation in the Middle East”, but that it “has not identified sufficient grounds to change its existing company-wide travel restrictions”.
“As a result, Yamaha has informed MotoGP Group about its decision not to participate in the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix,” the statement continued.
Yamaha added the move “reflects Yamaha’s assessment of the information currently available and is independent of the measures implemented by MotoGP Group and the event organizer.” The factory also reiterated it is “fully committed to MotoGP” and “looks forward to returning to competition at the Portuguese Grand Prix.”
MotoGP Group said it was “disappointed by Yamaha’s decision not to participate in the Qatar Grand Prix.” While acknowledging Yamaha is “subject to a broader corporate policy restricting travel to the Middle East”, MotoGP said it does “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,” the statement read.
MotoGP added: “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 championship also pointed to potential consequences beyond Yamaha’s absence in Qatar. “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.”
