Marini withdraws from Qatar MotoGP race, grid cut to 16

Honda rider Luca Marini has pulled out of the main Qatar Grand Prix race, leaving 16 riders on the grid. Marini had struggled with fatigue since a viral infection last month, and finished 13th in the sprint before withdrawing following the warm-up.

The field is reduced further because Yamaha is absent from the Qatar weekend due to the geopolitical situation. Pecco Bagnaia was also ruled out after fracturing his foot in the sprint, and is due to undergo surgery on metatarsal fractures in his right foot on Monday or Tuesday.

There are also questions over whether Maverick Vinales will start for Tech3 KTM. Vinales, who is not yet fully fit after last year's shoulder injury, said he "doesn't want anymore to ride like this", though he did take part in the warm-up and Tech3 has not said he will sit out the race.