Honda HRC has confirmed that it will compete in Round 20 of the MotoGP World Championship in Qatar. The decision keeps Honda’s factory operation on the Lusail grid for a race still shaped by considerable regional and sporting uncertainty.

The Qatar Grand Prix was initially moved to November because the conflict in the Middle East cast doubt on whether the event could go ahead. The conflict was still continuing as the race approached. Against that backdrop, a majority of riders signed a letter to the organisers objecting to the decision to proceed with Qatar. The issue had been discussed during rider meetings at the Australian and Malaysian Grands Prix.

Honda said it has been working with its riders, team members and MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group to allow the weekend to proceed. That position differs from Yamaha’s, after the manufacturer announced that it would not compete in Qatar under its company travel policy for the Middle East. MotoGP then threatened Yamaha with sporting penalties over the withdrawal.

Honda’s confirmation does not settle the composition of its own entry. Joan Mir has cast doubt on his participation after blurred vision returned during the Malaysian Grand Prix, his first race since September. Yamaha will nevertheless retain a presence through Pramac Moto2, which has chosen to compete in Qatar independently. Izan Guevara heads to the event 3.5 points behind championship leader Manuel Gonzalez.