MotoGP
Yamaha Withdraws From Qatar Grand Prix Over Travel Policy
MotoGP said its own risk assessment supported proceeding with the event and cited potential contractual and sporting consequences.
Yamaha will not participate in the Qatar Grand Prix, citing company-wide restrictions on travel to the Middle East in a statement published Nov. 1.
The manufacturer said its latest assessment did not provide grounds to change those restrictions. Yamaha said it remained committed to MotoGP and intended to return at the Portuguese Grand Prix.
MotoGP Group said it was disappointed and that consultations with Qatari authorities, Lusail International Circuit and independent safety advisers had produced no information requiring a change to the event’s plans. It said the rest of the grid had confirmed its participation.
The championship organizer also cited possible contractual implications. It said any sporting consequences would be handled by the FIM under championship regulations. The statements did not announce a specific penalty.
