Yamaha Pull Out of Qatar MotoGP as Security Fears Leave Grid in Doubt

Yamaha has pulled both of its MotoGP teams out of this weekend's Qatar Grand Prix, dealing a major blow to the penultimate stretch of the championship. The factory Monster Energy Yamaha team and the Prima Pramac Yamaha squad will not travel to Lusail for the November 6-8 race, ruling out Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, Jack Miller and Augusto Fernández. Yamaha said its own assessment had not provided sufficient grounds to lift a company-wide travel restriction, citing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Reports after the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang suggested 19 of the 22 riders did not want to race in Qatar, a race that was originally scheduled for April before being postponed following the outbreak of conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. MotoGP responded that it was disappointed by Yamaha's decision and warned of contractual and sporting implications to be managed by the FIM, but insisted the race will proceed, citing assurances from Qatari authorities, the circuit, embassies and independent safety advisers, with the rest of the grid confirmed to travel. The withdrawal also complicates the title race. Marc Marquez, who won at Sepang to extend his championship lead to 44 points, can clinch an eighth world title in Qatar depending on results. He may now do so on a depleted grid, and the episode has already raised wider questions about Formula 1's own Gulf finale later in November.