Marc Marquez vows to leave Qatar MotoGP at earliest opportunity after late arrival

Marc Marquez has voiced his displeasure at racing in Qatar following a late arrival to the Lusail International Circuit on Thursday.

Marquez was one of many riders that arrived later than initially planned, which could be seen as somewhat of an unofficial protest at the idea of having to race in Qatar.

19 of the 22 full-time riders signed a letter in Malaysia last week opposing this week’s Qatar MotoGP, however, series officials have continued with their plans to stage the grand prix.

This is despite the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has escalated again in recent weeks between the United States and Israel, against Iran. 

After arriving late on Thursday, Marquez, who previously remained tight-lipped at the idea of racing in Qatar, gave the reduced media in attendance his views, saying: 

“I mean, I would like to be in another place, but for that reason I arrived on the latest flight possible, and I will leave on the earliest flight possible. But we are here, ready to race and fully concentrated.”

While it’s clear that Marquez is one of the many riders not in favour of racing this weekend due to safety concerns, no group of riders, team or manufacturer has taken as big a stance as Yamaha has.

The Iwata-based company confirmed last week that it would not travel to Qatar, meaning this weekend’s event will go ahead without the likes of Fabio Quartararo and Jack Miller.

For Marquez, the Qatar GP represents the first opportunity to seal the 2026 title, with the Ducati star needing to outscore Aprilia’s Jorge Martin by 30 points.

“[The title is] closer, but still far,” added Marquez. “Only three races to go, but a lot of moments to go, and in the end our mentality, as we showed in Malaysia, is the same.

"Try to attack, try to do our 100 per cent, and then understand during the weekend where we are.”

Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled to take place at 4pm UK time.