Yamaha's withdrawal from the Qatar Grand Prix has brought about a clarification of positions within the paddock. With Losail just a week away, the other manufacturers now face a simple question: will they follow the Japanese example or will they stick to the calendar despite security concerns? For now, Honda, Ducati, and Aprilia have chosen to race. But behind this apparent unity, individual situations remain more complex.
Honda responds to Yamaha: it's a yes for Losail
This is the most significant stance taken since Yamaha announced its withdrawal . While its Japanese counterpart refuses to participate, Honda officially confirms its attendance. " Honda HRC will participate in the 20th round of the MotoGP World Championship, which will take place in Qatar ."
The manufacturer stated that it consulted its drivers, technical staff, and championship officials before making its decision. This choice is particularly revealing: two major Japanese companies, facing the same regional context, have reached opposing conclusions.
Honda is not claiming that the riders' concerns have disappeared. It is simply reaffirming its commitment to the sport after assessing the situation. Yamaha 's decision, therefore, does not trigger a collective withdrawal of manufacturers at this stage.
Ducati: Tardozzi displays total confidence
At Ducati , the position is even more assertive. When questioned after the Malaysian Grand Prix, Davide Tardozzi insisted he wasn't worried about the move. " I'm not concerned ." The head of the factory team believes that Carlos Ezpeleta and the organizers have provided the necessary guarantees. " Everything the riders asked Dorna and Liberty for has been delivered ."
Tardozzi also emphasizes the contractual nature of the championship: the riders are bound to their teams , which are responsible for communication with the promoter. This position contrasts sharply with the independent meetings organized by the riders in Sepang.
One important nuance remains: Marc Marquez has confirmed his participation, but plans to arrive in Qatar on Thursday evening, as late as possible . The Malaysian Grand Prix winner is also avoiding commenting publicly on whether the race should go ahead. Ducati is therefore expressing confidence, although its star rider is not exactly echoing this sentiment.
Aprilia and TrackHouse: present, but without unanimous enthusiasm
Aprilia also plans to participate in the Grand Prix. At TrackHouse, Davide Brivio confirms that his team will travel with its usual organization. " We are fully committed to the MotoGP championship and the races on the calendar ." But he adds a less categorical statement: " We hope to organize a race there ."
A sporting commitment, therefore, which does not constitute an absolute guarantee regarding the weekend's outcome. According to Gavin Emmett, a journalist for TNT Sports, Marco Bezzecchi and Ai Ogura were reportedly the only two riders to express a clear support for traveling to Sepang during the private meeting.
This information has not been individually confirmed by those involved. However, it suggests that the teams' official position and the drivers' personal feelings do not necessarily align.
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Joan Mir: Honda is present, but a rider is still uncertain.
Honda 's confirmation leaves a major question mark. Joan Mir is suffering from visual disturbances that resurfaced in Malaysia. After Sepang, he posted a worrying message on Instagram: " We knew this could happen today. Now it's time to go home and figure out why ." The Spaniard then thanked his fans for their support.
No withdrawal has been announced for Losail, but his medical fitness remains to be determined. Another absence already confirmed is Alex Marquez , who is scheduled to undergo shoulder surgery. His withdrawal is unrelated to the safety controversy.
A grid that is becoming clearer, a fracture that remains
The table gradually becomes more legible.
- Honda : participation confirmed, Joan Mir still uncertain.
- Ducati : trip still on, Marc Marquez expected Thursday evening.
- Aprilia and TrackHouse : commitment confirmed, Bezzecchi and Ogura presented as being in favor of the move.
- Yamaha : official contract, with no other manufacturer having announced to follow its example at this stage.
Another detail worth highlighting: Yamaha will not be completely absent from the Qatar Grand Prix. Pramac will participate in Moto2, having decided to enter the series voluntarily. The Italian team is maintaining its commitment despite Yamaha's decision regarding MotoGP.
And he has sporting reasons for doing so. Izan Guevara arrives in Qatar in the thick of the Moto2 title fight. After the Malaysian Grand Prix, he is only 3,5 points behind Manuel Gonzalez , who retains the championship lead. Missing a race at this stage could seriously jeopardize his title chances.
The fact remains that Yamaha's refusal did not trigger the domino effect some had anticipated. But it did reveal another reality: manufacturers can decide to race without all their riders necessarily sharing their confidence. At Losail , there may be many MotoGP bikes. Certainty, however, is much less.
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