Eighteen riders will officially be announced for the first tests of the Qatar Grand Prix. Eighteen, whereas MotoGP usually has 22 regular riders. Behind this figure, presented as confirmation that the Losail event can take place, lies a far less reassuring reality: an entire manufacturer has refused to travel, another reportedly hesitated, and several teams have to make do with substitutes or riders recovering from injury.
The championship managed to hold its Grand Prix. But the entry list also reveals the scale of the crisis.
Eighteen pilots: the number that sums up the Qatar crisis
The confirmation of the 18 participants expected for FP1 is an important step for the organizers. At one point, the possibility of a reduced grid of only 13 drivers had been raised, mainly due to difficulties in finding replacements.
The most extreme scenario therefore seems to have been ruled out. But the field remains highly unusual. However, two factors must be distinguished: Yamaha 's withdrawal for safety reasons and individual absences due to injury or illness.
Grouping them together on the same list does not mean they all stem from the same dispute. However, their accumulation undermines the image of a Grand Prix that the organizers want to present as fully operational.
Yamaha: Four absences that weigh more heavily than others
This is the heart of the crisis. Yamaha has decided not to participate in the Qatar Grand Prix , taking its factory team and Pramac with it. Four motorcycles are thus removed from the grid.
It's not just four injured or unavailable riders. It's a historic manufacturer that has collectively refused to participate. Yamaha believes that the safety conditions do not justify its involvement, despite the assurances put forward to maintain the event.
This decision could expose the manufacturer to financial or sporting consequences , which have not yet been officially confirmed. MotoGP is therefore faced with a delicate question: how to enforce its participation commitments when a manufacturer invokes the safety of its personnel?
Honda: present, but after having considered withdrawal?
Honda 's situation further reinforces this political dimension. According to reports, the Japanese manufacturer considered following Yamaha's lead before ultimately confirming its participation.
The reasons for this choice are not clear. Were the guarantees deemed sufficient? Were there contractual obligations? Was it the risk of sanctions? It would be premature to say. But one thing is certain: Honda is not joining Yamaha in its refusal , which significantly alters the balance of power with the organizers.
The manufacturer must, however, replace Joan Mir , who is out after the recurrence of health problems. Jake Dixon is announced as his replacement. Honda will therefore be represented, but not with its usual lineup.
Ducati and Aprilia: the replacements save the teams
At Ducati, Alex Marquez will miss the race after his surgery in Spain. Gresini will call upon Iker Lecuona , while Fermin Aldeguer is expected to return after missing two races.
At Aprilia, Jorge Martin hopes to return despite his broken wrist. His actual fitness remains crucial. Raul Fernandez , meanwhile, is expected to be fit after injuring two fingers in Malaysia.
KTM is expected to field its full lineup, even though Maverick Viñales continues to struggle with injuries. These replacements allow them to maintain a presentable grid. They don't, however, erase the sporting and human frailties of the weekend.
Qatar will have its race… but what image will it leave?
For the organizers, announcing 18 riders is a concrete response to concerns about whether the event will take place. The program can move forward. The participating teams can prepare their motorcycles. The championship can continue its season.
But this figure does not resolve the dispute with Yamaha . Nor does it answer questions about safety guarantees, contractual obligations, or potential sanctions.
A list of entrants confirms the ability to organize a competition. However, it is not enough to demonstrate that the crisis is resolved. And the 18 drivers announced for Friday will still have to complete the necessary medical and athletic assessments to actually be at the starting line on Sunday.
So, what do we remember?
- 18 drivers officially announced for the first tests, subject to final validations.
- Yamaha and Pramac were absent, meaning four motorcycles were withdrawn for safety reasons.
- Honda is present and several replacements are mobilized, allowing the championship to maintain its program.
MotoGP avoided the scenario of a grid reduced to thirteen riders. But it did not avoid the crisis that threatened its Grand Prix. Organizers can now display 18 names on a list, without yet being able to confirm that everyone accepts the conditions under which the race must take place.
The 18 drivers registered for the Qatar Grand Prix
- Ducati : Marc Marquez, Francesco Bagnaia
- Gresini : Fermin Aldeguer, Iker Lecuona
- VR46 : Fabio Di Giannantonio, Franco Morbidelli
- Aprilia : Jorge Martin, Marco Bezzecchi
- TrackHouse Raul Fernández, Ai Ogura
- KTM Pedro Acosta, Brad Binder
- Tech3: Enea Bastianini, Maverick Vinales
- Honda Luca Marini, Jake Dixon
- LCR : Johann ZarcoDiogo Moreira
- Wounded Alex Marquez, Joan Mir
- Withdrawn : Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, Augusto Fernandez, Jack Miller
