Marini withdraws from Qatar MotoGP with fatigue

Honda HRC rider Luca Marini has withdrawn from the Qatar Grand Prix after morning warm-up, leaving 16 riders set to race. HRC said the decision was taken because of his ongoing fatigue, with the aim of focusing on the final two rounds of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship.

Marini had missed the Phillip Island round with a virus before returning in Malaysia. He qualified 14th in Qatar and finished 13th in the Sprint. His team-mate Joan Mir is also absent this weekend due to fatigue-related vision issues. Ducati's Pecco Bagnaia, who was injured in the Sprint, has also withdrawn from the Grand Prix.

Yamaha is not taking part this weekend due to company-wide travel restrictions for the Middle East, meaning only 18 riders began the event. Maverick Vinales remains officially listed for the Grand Prix, where he will start from last place, despite doubts over his attendance because of his shoulder.