MotoGP team Yamaha could face punishment after saying it will not race in the Qatar Grand Prix next weekend over safety concerns in the Middle East. The Japanese team said it assessed the situation and made its decision independently from MotoGP Group and the event organizer. The race weekend was scheduled to be held from Friday to Sunday at Lusail International Circuit. Yamaha says that “following its latest assessment of the situation in the Middle East” Yamaha racing took the decision “not to participate in the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix.” MotoGP responded by saying “Yamaha’s non-participation also carries sporting implications.”