How Many Riders Will Actually Race in the MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix?

This weekend's upcoming Qatar Grand Prix has all the makings of one of the most controversial moments in the entire history of Grand Prix motorcycle racing.

As things stand, MotoGP's official position is that the round at Lusail will go ahead despite the volatile situation in the Middle East. The developments have triggered widespread discontent across the paddock, with Jack Miller revealing that premier class riders submitted a formal letter to series bosses expressing their refusal to race in Qatar. A total of 19 riders reportedly signed the petition, with unconfirmed reports suggesting the only three outliers who did not join the collective stance were Marco Bezzecchi, Johann Zarco, and Ai Ogura.

The letter was dispatched on Sunday morning, just hours before the Malaysian Grand Prix, and shortly after the race Yamaha announced they would not be travelling to Qatar. Consequently, the Lusail round will definitely be skipped by Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, Miller, and Augusto Fernandez, who has been standing in for the injured Toprak Razgatlioglu at Pramac.

Alex Marquez is also set to miss Round 20 to undergo surgery to remove a plate inserted into his right collarbone following his crash in Barcelona back in May. The procedure was originally scheduled for the post-season, but the Spaniard and his team have opted to bring it forward by several weeks.

That already guarantees at least five absentees in Qatar, and that number could rise further in the coming days. Doubts hang over Jorge Martin, Raul Fernandez, Fermin Aldeguer, and Joan Mir, who have all battled health concerns in recent weeks. Martin, Fernandez, and Aldeguer are recovering from various injuries, while Mir missed four rounds due to illness before returning in Malaysia, only for the 2020 world champion to retire before half-distance at Sepang.

Should those four also decide against competing in Qatar and their teams field no replacements, a total of nine riders will be absent from the Lusail weekend. That would leave a grid of just 13 bikes—provided no further riders choose to join the boycott.