MotoGP heads to Qatar later in the year than originally planned. Initially, the Qatar Grand Prix was scheduled to be the fourth round in April. However, due to the Iran war and instability in the area, MotoGP officials postponed the original race. Consequently, both Portugal and Valencia moved back by a week to accomodate the revised date.
As we near the race, concerns over its running have surfaced. The ongoing war has created worries over safety from a range of stakeholders. Consequently, the state of the race is currently unknown. Other championships, such as the World Endurance Championship and World Rally Championship, have completely cancelled races in this area. Formula 1 moved the Bahrain Grand Prix to Malaysia and cancelled the Saudi Arabian Race. However, they’re still set to race in both Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Riders Unite and Yamaha Withdraws
For MotoGP, it’s a trickier situation. During the Australian Grand Prix weekend, the riders all got together to discuss the situation. It was reported that 15 of the 20 riders present agreed that they did not feel comfortable racing in Qatar. Following this, rumours that the creation of a riders association, similar to Formula 1’s GPDA, was being considered alongside legal action.
During the Malaysian Grand Prix, further conversations were held and it appeared as though the riders were in more of an agreement. This reportedly ended with a signed letter to the organisers. According to Jack Miller, Prima Pramac rider, 19 riders do not want to go to the next round. He was vocal over his personal opinion as reported by Simon Patterson.
Following the Malaysian Grand Prix, Yamaha issued a statement withdrawing both the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team and Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Teams from the Qatar Grand Prix. This was justified by their existing company-wide travel restrictions. Since this announcement, it is reported that Honda, Ducati and KTM are all debating their participation. At this time, it appears that only Aprilia are confirmed to race.
The Affect on Moto2 and Moto3
Whilst the participation of MotoGP teams and riders is uncertain, the Moto3 and Moto2 participation appears more concrete. Due to their own withdrawal, Yamaha offered the Blu Cru Pramac Yamaha Moto2 Team the chance to not compete too. However, with Izan Guevara only three points adrift of the championship lead, the team decided to participate.
It looks as though the intermediate series will all compete despite team personnel not wanting to. It is rumoured that the FIM and MotoGP are threatening heavy sporting implications such as fines that could see some teams forced into financial instability.
Considering the MotoGP riders lack of influence, the younger riders have less of a leg to stand on when it comes to these decisions. Their participation could be out of their hands if they want a future in MotoGP.
MotoGP’s Response
Following the initial discussion, MotoGP officials reportedly suggested a new rule that any riders who didn’t attend Qatar would be unable to compete in the final two rounds. Both Liberty Media and the FIM have maintained that they believe it is safe to race.
After Yamaha publicly stated their position, MotoGP themselves issued a statement. In it, they announced that independent advisors have completed risk assessments. The organisation feels as though there are no risks to racing in Qatar. Whilst they understood Yamaha’s policies, the statement made clear that the decision to not race would carry sporting and championship implications.
The Media Aspect
Another aspect to this situation is the media side. On broadcast during the race weekend, TNT Sports announced that they would not head to Qatar. Instead, they will report on the race virtually from their studio in London. Apparently, other international broadcasters have opted to do the same.
During interviews to the riders, TNT Sports asked their opinions on the situation. Álex Márquez, BK8 Gresini rider, was vocal about his position, saying that the “channel made a smart decision”. The #73 has also been open about his thoughts and he will not be racing in Qatar. Instead, he heads back to Spain to undergo further surgery on his shoulder.
A Reduced Grid in Qatar
With the Qatar Grand Prix looming, it is confirmed that there will be a reduced grid. At least five riders, all four Yamaha riders and Á. Márquez will not be present. Joan Mir, Raúl Fernández, Jorge Martín and Fermín Aldeguer’s positions are all also unknown considering their illnesses and injuries. However, replacement riders could be brought in for them.
Technically, Qatar is Marc Márquez’s first match point of the season. The race could be a turning stone in the championships as the #93 could equal Giacomo Agostini with eight titles. And in Moto2, it could swing the favour to Izan Guevara. With only three races remaining, every race and every point counts.
However, with teams and riders supposedly against the race going ahead, it is unknown what will occur. Considering the sporting implications suggested, the impact this could have on the overall championship is also unclear. Whilst currently only Yamaha have withdrawn, other teams could too. At this moment, it appears only Aprilia are confirmed to race. If one more team solidifies their participation, that means the minimum amount of riders to start has been met.
For now, we wait and see what unfolds. But whichever way it falls, the upcoming race weekend will be interesting. Whilst much of this is currently speculation, expect more announcements to come in the next few days.