Uncertainty surrounding the Qatar Grand Prix prompted MotoGP riders to hold a secret meeting on Thursday night during the Australian Grand Prix. The championship was two weeks away from travelling to Qatar, while the regional conflict was escalating after Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. A vote among those who attended reportedly found roughly two-thirds opposed to racing in Qatar.

Marco Bezzecchi, Friday’s fastest rider in Australia with Aprilia, confirmed that the discussion had taken place without disclosing its substance or outcome. He described the meeting as very positive and constructive, saying the riders had put forward their views maturely without turning disagreement into a personal clash. Bezzecchi added that the gathering was mainly an opportunity for the riders to discuss the issue among themselves, and that he did not know how much practical effect it would have.

The question of rider representation

The meeting has also revived the idea of a formal riders’ union. A similar organisation briefly took shape in 2023 under former racer Sylvain Guintoli. Carlos Ezpeleta has rejected the need for such a body, arguing that MotoGP already offers an open-door policy for riders who want to raise concerns.

Enea Bastianini believes riders currently have too little influence over decision-making. In his view, organisers and teams hold most of the power even though the championship cannot exist without its competitors. Pecco Bagnaia agrees that greater unity is needed, but believes any future union should be led by someone who is not currently racing. The Qatar situation has therefore become part of a broader argument about how riders are represented and how much influence they should have over major MotoGP decisions.