Yamaha withdraws MotoGP team from Qatar race over Middle East concerns
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 1 Nov, 14:28 · Archive
Yamaha has withdrawn its MotoGP team from next weekend's race in Qatar, citing travel restrictions related to the Middle East situation.
Yamaha has withdrawn its MotoGP team from the race at Lusail International Circuit scheduled for 6–8 November, citing the company's existing travel restrictions to the Middle East. The decision was announced following the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday. Yamaha said it had not identified sufficient grounds to change its policy, influenced by Japanese government advice against non-essential travel to the region.
The French rider Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 world champion, and Spain's Alex Rins will not compete at the event. MotoGP said it was disappointed by the decision and that Yamaha's non-participation carries sporting implications. The sport's governing body said talks with Qatar's organisers and safety advisers had not flagged reasons to change plans for the event.
BBC Sport reports that 19 of the 22 riders on the grid have signed a letter raising concerns about competing in Qatar during the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Qatar has said it can guarantee teams would not be stranded in case of escalation. MotoGP said other manufacturers and teams have confirmed they will compete, with Yamaha planning to return for the final two races in Portugal and Valencia.
How it is being reported
- Yamaha will not travel to Qatar for MotoGP raceYamaha withdraw from the Qatar MotoGP race - could there be implications for Formula 1, with two races currently scheduled in the Middle East to end the season?BBC Sport · 1 Nov, 13:51
- Yamaha pulls out of Qatar MotoGP over ‘situation in the Middle East’MotoGP says Yamaha's lack of participation at next weekend's event in Lusail 'carries sporting implications'.Al Jazeera · 1 Nov, 12:32
In this story: Yamaha · Qatar · MotoGP · Fabio Quartararo · Alex Rins · Marc Marquez · Lusail International Circuit · Middle East
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log
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