Honda and Yamaha to Oppose Qatar MotoGP Race
Teams are pushing to cancel the November 2026 event due to rising security concerns in the Gulf region.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Motorsports
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Honda and Yamaha are leading an effort to cancel the MotoGP event scheduled for November 7-8, 2026, at the Lusail Circuit near Doha, Qatar. Teams are citing severe travel warnings in the region as a primary reason to oppose the race.
Why it matters
Teams are leveraging strict ethics policies to pressure event organizers, as commercial rights holder Liberty Media maintains the schedule to avoid financial liability for unapproved cancellations.
The Saudi Arabia coalition is conducting approximately 300 airstrikes per day against Houthi strongholds. This regional instability has already impacted major sporting events, such as the cancellation of the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament.
The players
Honda
Honda is a Japanese public multinational conglomerate manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment.
Yamaha
Yamaha is a Japanese multinational corporation and conglomerate with a very wide range of products and services, primarily known for motorcycles and musical instruments.
Liberty Media
Liberty Media is an American mass media company that owns and operates major entertainment and sports businesses including Formula 1 and MotoGP.
Audi
Audi is a German automotive manufacturer that produces luxury vehicles and is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group.
The details
Teams are using strict compliance ethics to push for event cancellations or relocations, noting that commercial rights holders must wait for local organizers to cancel events to avoid lawsuits regarding lost revenue. The Audi group is also expected to join the Japanese manufacturers in formally objecting to the race.
Timeline
November 7-8, 2026: Scheduled Qatar MotoGP event.
November 27-29, 2026: Scheduled Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix.
December 4-6, 2026: Scheduled Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Season Trajectory
The objection by racing teams follows the pattern set by the recent cancellation of the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament in Riyadh. This uncertainty threatens the stability of the late-season racing calendar as teams weigh security risks against contractual obligations.
The potential cancellation of the event would force a major shift in the late-season racing calendar and impact team logistics for the remaining circuit schedule. Fans should monitor for official announcements regarding potential relocation or contingency venues like Imola.
The takeaway
Commercial rights holders face a difficult balance between maintaining contractual obligations and addressing the safety concerns raised by participants. Organizations continue to rely on compliance policies to navigate the financial risks associated with sudden event cancellations.
Further reading
For additional context on the racing schedule, visit our section on Motorsports.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GPone.
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