Tensions between MotoGP riders and the championship organisers have intensified in Malaysia, with next weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix approaching. The race was postponed from mid-April after the outbreak of war involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Although the fighting has eased, concerns about regional instability and the possibility of renewed attacks remain.
According to Motorsport.com, three-quarters of the grid backed a document submitted during the Australian Grand Prix that set out five conditions for their participation. The demands included an evacuation plan for paddock personnel and life, repatriation and medical insurance in case the crisis escalated.
The main dispute concerns who should provide those guarantees. MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (MGPSEG), the championship’s commercial rights holder, says the Qatari government has supplied the required assurances. The riders, however, want the championship organisers themselves to accept responsibility.
The riders met again on Friday at Yamaha’s communications offices and agreed to send another letter reaffirming their position. It stated that they did not intend to travel unless they received written confirmation by 4pm on Sunday that the championship would act as guarantor for any eventuality in Qatar.
Team managers met MGPSEG chief executive Carmelo Ezpeleta and deputy managing director Carlos Ezpeleta on Sunday morning. MotoGP said the meeting reviewed information and assurances from Qatar, the Lusail International Circuit, embassies and independent experts, while adding that its risk assessment remained ongoing.
The teams, rather than the riders, are contractually bound to the championship and are responsible for ensuring participation. Yamaha was the only manufacturer or team yet to confirm its attendance in Qatar on Sunday. The Japanese company has an internal policy restricting employee travel to conflict zones and must decide whether to waive it for its MotoGP operation.
The riders’ position also appears less unified than it was in Australia. The group that supported travelling to Qatar has reportedly fallen from five riders to three in Malaysia. It remains unclear whether the riders will make their intentions public after the Malaysian Grand Prix.
All riders have been warned of possible financial and sporting consequences if they fail to appear at Losail. While the regulations do not specifically cover this situation, the FIM is understood to have a framework for imposing sanctions. An MGPSEG spokesperson said that an unjustified absence could lead to FIM action, with possible sporting penalties ranging from championship-point deductions to suspension from one or more remaining rounds.
Sources: Autosport.