Rivola says MotoGP riders must race in Qatar if organisers deem it safe

Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola has said there is no decision to be made about the Qatar MotoGP, stating that riders must attend if organisers confirm it is safe. The race is currently scheduled to go ahead, and Marc Marquez could clinch his tenth world championship there.

Aprilia's Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin remain in mathematical contention with three rounds left, though Bezzecchi is over 60 points behind and Martin 44, and the latter has a broken wrist. Rivola made his comments after the Phillip Island round was cancelled for bad weather. He said he did not understand the controversy surrounding the event.

Since then, Yamaha has announced it will not race in Qatar. MotoGP has said the Iwata factory could face sporting sanctions for that decision, while the FIM has not yet communicated regarding Qatar or any penalties for teams that skip it.