Marc Márquez and Fabio Quartararo were reported to be leading a riders’ movement against holding the Qatar MotoGP Grand Prix, amid safety concerns prompted by the escalation in the Middle East. According to information released by GPOne and other outlets, 19 of the 22 riders on the 2026 grid had signed a letter expressing opposition to staging the race.
The mobilization increases pressure on the championship organizers, who remain intent on carrying out the event at Losail. The movement also comes amid reports that the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) had threatened to suspend riders who refused to compete in Qatar from the season’s final two rounds.
According to Motorsport.com, the body had allegedly issued an ultimatum to the competitors, with the possibility of barring their participation in the Portuguese and Valencia Grand Prix events. The information emerges as private negotiations continue between riders’ representatives and those responsible for the championship.
Márquez and Quartararo are identified as the main leaders of the protest, although the Spaniard has avoided publicly weighing in on the discussions. When asked by the AS newspaper during the Malaysian Grand Prix, he explained why he prefers not to comment on certain matters.
“When I can’t say what I think, I don’t want to speak. So, instead of expressing something that isn’t true, I simply stay silent,” Márquez stated.
The rider also highlighted that his priorities have shifted after dealing with physical issues, reflecting on the risks inherent in the sport.
“Since my injury, I’ve understood that life is one and the body is one, while there are many careers and moments. You can pursue them, create them and enjoy them, but, for me, life always comes first,” he added.
His brother, Álex Márquez, has taken a more explicit stance. The Gresini rider has been among the loudest critics of the decision to run the race and, according to reports, was seeking to schedule an earlier surgery on his collarbone to obtain a medical justification for not participating in the event.
Commenting on the mobilization, Álex stressed that the concerns extend beyond the riders themselves and involve others who work within the championship.
“When we, the riders, come together, we’re not fighting solely for the riders, but for the entire paddock. Because I think there’s an 85 percent unity in the paddock, I’d say, or maybe 70 percent, who would rather not go,” he stated.
“But that’s how things stand, and we’re here, waiting to see how the situation evolves, because nobody knows,” he added.
Despite the reported resistance among riders, MotoGP and the local organizers continue to insist that safety conditions exist to allow the race to take place.
During the Malaysia Grand Prix weekend, won by Márquez, Carlos Ezpeleta, MotoGP’s deputy director, visited the Losail International Circuit. The visit was announced by Abdulrahman Al Mannai, CEO of the Qatar Social and Sporting Contributions Fund.
“We are very pleased to have welcomed Carlos Ezpeleta to the Losail International Circuit. The countdown has begun, and we are ready to welcome again the riders, teams and fans in Qatar,” Al Mannai wrote on social media.
The visit reinforces the organizers’ stance of keeping the event, despite the behind-the-scenes protests reported. Conversely, the letter attributed to the majority of riders and the reports of potential suspensions indicate that significant disagreements remain among those involved.
As of now, there is no confirmation that the movement has caused any changes to the Qatar Grand Prix schedule. Negotiations continue, while the organizers maintain that the race can proceed safely and the riders await a decision on their concerns.
