{
  "id": 19491069,
  "title": "MotoGP chief defends Qatar GP decision but surprised by Yamaha's withdrawal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/motogp-chief-defends-qatar-gp-decision-but-surprised-by-yamahas",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-11T12:12:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/motor-sports/2026/11/1575636/motogp-chief-defends-qatar-gp-decision-surprised-yamahas"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "MotoGP chief Carlos Ezpeleta defended the decision to hold the Qatar Grand Prix despite rider concerns about traveling to the Gulf during the ongoing conflict with Iran. However, Yamaha's withdrawal from the event came as a surprise. The race, originally scheduled for April, was postponed to November 6-8 due to the conflict. MotoGP had based its decision on official information from the Qatari government and embassies. Ezpeleta stated that they would have canceled or postponed the event again if the situation had escalated. Yamaha cited company-wide travel restrictions in the Middle East as the reason for their withdrawal, reducing the field to 18 riders. Ezpeleta acknowledged the need to improve communication with riders and teams. Despite Yamaha's withdrawal, the Qatar Grand Prix saw Aprilia's Marco Bezzecchi win, with Marc Marquez of Ducati finishing second and securing a 60-point lead in the championship with two rounds remaining.",
  "summary": "LONDON: MotoGP’s deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta said the championship was right to go ahead with the Qatar Grand Prix despite rider concerns about travelling to the Gulf during the war with Iran, but he added that Yamaha’s withdrawal came as a surprise.",
  "key_points": [
    "MotoGP chief defends Qatar GP despite rider concerns",
    "Yamaha withdraws due to Middle East travel restrictions",
    "Bezzecchi wins, Marquez secures 60-point championship lead"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Yamaha's decision to skip the race highlights a growing rift between organizers and teams regarding safety protocols and travel restrictions during geopolitical instability in the Middle East.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}