Yamaha Pulls Out of Qatar Grand Prix Over Middle East Security Concerns

, MotoGP Disappointed The 2026 MotoGP title decider just got a lot more complicated — and controversial. Yamaha has officially withdrawn from this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix, citing its company-wide travel restrictions to the Middle East. The decision, announced Sunday alongside the Malaysian Grand Prix, leaves the factory team on the sidelines for the season’s pivotal round at Lusail International Circuit. “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 manufacturer said in a statement. “As a result, Yamaha has informed MotoGP Group about its decision not to participate in the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix.” Yamaha said it remains fully committed to MotoGP and looks forward to returning at the Portuguese Grand Prix, the season finale. MotoGP responded with pointed disappointment, insisting it has seen no reason to change plans for the event.

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