The Qatar Grand Prix could produce MotoGP’s smallest grid in more than 15 years. Yamaha has announced that it will not send either of its two teams to the event, citing the company’s travel guidance for the Middle East. The decision comes as concerns remain over paddock safety and the possibility of the conflict involving Iran escalating.

Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins are therefore out for Yamaha Factory Racing, while Pramac Racing Yamaha loses Jack Miller and Augusto Fernandez. Fernandez had been standing in for the injured Toprak Razgatlioglu. Alex Marquez is also confirmed to miss Qatar, as he is due to undergo surgery on the right shoulder injured at Barcelona in May.

A wider dispute over the race

The problem extends beyond Yamaha’s withdrawal. Nineteen of the 22 riders signed a letter to MotoGP during the Malaysian Grand Prix, saying they did not want to race in Qatar unless the championship accepted full liability. MotoGP has stated that penalties will be imposed on riders who stage a boycott. Most of the field is delaying its journey for as long as possible while the situation remains unsettled.

Once the confirmed absences are taken into account, 17 riders remain on the entry list. Four more are doubtful: Fermin Aldeguer, Joan Mir, Raul Fernandez and Jorge Martin. Aldeguer is aiming to return from a hand injury, although Gresini has not announced its plans. Mir suffered a recurrence in Malaysia of the illness symptoms that kept him out for four rounds after Misano. Fernandez is still dealing with a broken finger sustained at Mandalika and withdrew from the Malaysian round. Martin is 44 points behind Marc Marquez in the championship and is also carrying a wrist injury. Iker Lecuona is expected to be on track with Gresini, although his status as a replacement rider leaves his participation less straightforward.

If all four doubtful riders pull out, Qatar would be left with only 13 starters. MotoGP last saw grids this depleted in 2010, when 15 riders started at both Assen and Silverstone. At Phillip Island in 2011, 17 riders were entered but only 14 made the start. The minimum number of riders required by Qatar’s contract with MotoGP for a race weekend has not been clarified.