Only three MotoGP riders want to race in Qatar as sanctions threatened

It has emerged that 19 of the 22 MotoGP riders are not in favour of racing at this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix.

This comes after Yamaha announced it was withdrawing from the race, although the Japanese manufacturer could be sanctioned as a result. 

Unsurprisingly, all four of its riders are part of the 19-rider group that signed a letter in Malaysia saying they did not want to race at the Lusail International Circuit.

This is part of an ongoing push from MotoGP riders to have the Qatar Grand Prix cancelled due to safety concerns.

The war in the Middle East is continuing as we speak, which has caused concern for everyone involved in the championship, although MotoGP organisers have always maintained their stance, which is that the race would go ahead.

Yamaha’s decision to withdraw, while shocking, was not a total surprise given the conflict between the United States and Israel, against Iran. 

With 19 riders out of 22 not wanting to race, that represents 86 per cent of the entire grid. The three riders that are happy to race in Qatar, according to Spanish journalist Mela Chercoles, are Marco Bezzecchi, Ai Ogura and Johann Zarco.

Speaking to TNT Sports after Sunday’s race, Bezzecchi and Ogura then confirmed they are happy to race in Qatar, although Alex Marquez had a different view. 

Before giving his opinion, TNT Sports commentator Gavin Emmett admitted to the Gresini Ducati star that the broadcaster’s television crew will not be heading to Qatar.

Marquez, who has withdrawn from the Qatar Grand Prix in order to have surgery on his shoulder, responded by saying: 

“You made the smart decision… the channel made a smart decision, I would say. It is like it is. It looks like Carlos Ezpeleta was there this week, looks like they say that it’s safe. So, it is like it is.”

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