Japanese manufacturer Yamaha has announced the withdrawal of its factory team from next weekend’s upcoming MotoGP race in Qatar, pointing to ongoing corporate travel restrictions and the unstable situation in the Middle East. The decision was officially made public shortly after the conclusion of the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang.

Yamaha leadership allegedly claimed that the company has not identified sufficient grounds to alter its strict company-wide travel policies, despite assurances from championship organizers. The team's lineup includes France’s Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 world champion, alongside Spanish racer Alex Rins, both of whom will now miss the crucial Lusail circuit round.

In response, the sports governing body, the MotoGP Group, expressed disappointment over the sudden move, stating that Yamaha’s non-participation carries significant sporting implications. European organizers asserted that extensive safety assurances had been provided to all stakeholders following consultations with Qatari officials and security advisers, though these claims have evidently failed to sway the Japanese manufacturer.

The regional backdrop includes prior security incidents in Qatar linked to broader Middle East conflicts, creating a tense atmosphere for international sporting delegations. While Yamaha remains firm on its restrictions, MotoGP organizers confirmed that the rest of the grid has committed to competing as scheduled at the Lusail International Circuit outside Doha, where Ducati's Marc Marquez aims to secure his championship title.

Source: www.aljazeera.com