MotoGP riders step up pressure in final bid to avoid Qatar Grand Prix

Tensions between most MotoGP riders and championship organisers have intensified this weekend in the Sepang paddock as the Qatar Grand Prix approaches. Originally scheduled for mid-April, the race was postponed due to conflict between the US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other. Despite the easing of hostilities, instability in the region remains a concern, and the possibility of renewed attacks cannot be ruled out.

The majority of riders submitted a document to MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (MGPSEG), outlining five conditions that MGPSEG must meet to secure their participation, including an evacuation plan and insurance coverage. Although MGPSEG claims to have provided all these guarantees, riders insist MGPSEG assumes responsibility for them.

On Friday, riders met to draft another letter, demanding MGPSEG assume responsibility as a condition of their willingness to travel to Doha. They gave teams a deadline of 4pm on Sunday to confirm if the championship would accept this condition. MotoGP management met with team managers to review the latest information and assurances from the Qatari government, the Lusail International Circuit, embassies, and independent experts.

The team managers conveyed that these assessments continue to inform MotoGP's ongoing risk review and decision-making process. Yamaha, the only team yet to confirm its attendance, must decide whether to waive its employees' policy of avoiding conflict zones. The riders' unity appears to be lacking, with the group of five riders supporting the trip to Qatar reduced to three in Malaysia.

If they fail to appear at Losail, they face potential financial and sporting consequences, including sanctions from the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM).