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Push to Assemble 18-Rider Grid
MotoGP organizers and participating teams are actively working to preserve the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix, assembling a provisional roster that could reach approximately 18 riders despite paddock unease and notable absences. The premier-class field, which normally features 22 regular competitors, had faced alarming scenarios suggesting participation could drop to around a dozen motorcycles. However, an operational effort involving substitute riders and returning injured contenders has emerged just days ahead of the scheduled track sessions at Losail.
Reported Evacuation Plan and Financial Provision
To address concerns surrounding the event in Qatar, contingency measures have been put forward. According to Spanish daily AS, Qatari authorities have reportedly planned a 100 million euro financial provision intended to cover exceptional expenses not taken care of by insurance policies. In addition, an evacuation plan was reportedly communicated to teams to anticipate any potential military escalation capable of closing airspace and trapping paddock personnel in Qatar. Even so, organizers maintain that the Grand Prix weekend will proceed normally, although paddock reports indicate that a vast majority of riders initially expressed opposition to traveling.
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Promoter Warnings and Yamaha Absence
In addition to safety assurances, potential sanctions have been highlighted to discourage defections while teams seek to field enough riders. Information reported by AS indicates that the promoter warned teams that any unapproved absence without recognized justification could trigger significant financial and sporting penalties. Collective meetings with riders have reportedly ended, leaving individual teams tasked with handling personal hesitations. Meanwhile, Yamaha's withdrawal remains firm, as the Japanese manufacturer maintains travel restrictions and pulls its four bikes across both the factory team and Pramac. Points deductions across championships have been mentioned, though no specific penalty has been announced.
Replacements at Gresini and Aprilia
The gap created by Yamaha's four absent machines has triggered an urgent effort across the pit lane to replenish the starting lineup. At Gresini, Alex Marquez is sidelined following surgery in Madrid. However, Fermin Aldeguer, previously expected to miss the round due to a broken hand, would reportedly receive clearance to return to competition. Gresini has also called upon Iker Lecuona to deputize for Marquez, a step that could allow Gresini to start two Ducatis instead of the single entry previously anticipated. Concurrently, Aprilia hopes to field Jorge Martin and Raul Fernandez. Martin wishes to ride despite a right wrist injury, while Fernandez announced his intention to return after sustaining broken fingers, with their participation naturally remaining subject to necessary medical clearance.
Honda Lineup and Grid Projections
Roster adjustments also involve Honda, where Joan Mir is expected to miss Losail after experiencing a recurrence of vision issues in Malaysia. WorldSBK racer Jake Dixon has emerged as the anticipated stand-in for Mir, although final confirmation from HRC has not been finalized. Should Dixon join Lecuona on track, multiple riders arriving from the Superbike category would fill premier-class vacancies. While the estimated 18-bike tally remains provisional, assembling substitute and returning competitors would distance the most alarmist scenarios that anticipated only a dozen participants.
Related reading: Qatar MotoGP Grid Faces Potential Drop to 13 Riders Amid Absences.
