The Qatar Grand Prix is facing serious uncertainty after 19 riders signed a letter calling on MotoGP Group either to accept full responsibility if something goes wrong or to cancel the race. The request is said to have gone unanswered. Yamaha then announced that it would withdraw from the Lusail event, citing company travel guidance.

The dispute now carries a possible disciplinary consequence. MotoGP has warned Yamaha that sporting sanctions may follow an alleged breach of its agreement with the organisers. Riders have also been told that they could face punishment if they boycott the race. Yamaha’s withdrawal will remove four riders from the Qatar start, while the entry list could drop below 14 if injured riders withdraw and no replacements are installed.

The reported holdouts

Marco Bezzecchi, Ai Ogura and Johann Zarco are reported to be the three riders who did not sign the letter. Their reasons have not been clarified. Ogura presented a straightforward position, saying that racing is his job whenever a race is held. Bezzecchi said he trusts the organisation and does not judge anyone for making a different personal decision.

Nine of the 19 riders are said to have told their teams that they will travel to Qatar. Jorge Martin appears to be among those who signed, despite being 44 points behind the championship leader. Riders are waiting as long as possible before travelling, a situation expected to push the pre-event press conference back by several hours.

Alex Marquez has already withdrawn from Qatar for shoulder surgery and described the decision to stay away as the smart one. Marc Marquez, who could clinch the championship this weekend, declined to take a position, saying the matter is not in the riders’ hands. The evolving situation leaves both the final field and the event’s immediate timetable under pressure.