Jakarta, ThedailyID — The 2026 Qatar MotoGP Grand Prix could feature just 13 riders on the starting grid. If that happens, the race would set a record for the smallest starting field in MotoGP history.
Yamaha has already announced its withdrawal from the Qatar race. As a result, four riders will miss the event: Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, Jack Miller, and Augusto Fernandez. Fernandez is currently replacing Toprak Razgatlioglu.
Alex Marquez will also miss the race. The Spanish rider will undergo surgery on his right shoulder and has decided to withdraw from the event at Lusail Circuit.
These absences leave only 17 of the championship’s 22 riders confirmed for the race. However, that number could fall further due to several injury concerns.
Raul Fernandez is recovering from a broken finger. The injury forced him to miss the Malaysian Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Joan Mir recently returned to racing in Malaysia after missing four consecutive rounds due to illness. However, doubts remain over his fitness.
Fermin Aldeguer has also recently recovered from a hand injury, according to Crash. However, Gresini has yet to clearly announce its plans for the Qatar race following Alex Marquez’s absence.
Jorge Martin is another rider whose participation remains uncertain. He attempted to return at the Malaysian Grand Prix but eventually withdrew. His physical condition was not yet suitable for racing.
If these four riders also miss the Qatar event, only 13 riders will remain on the starting grid. The current record for the smallest MotoGP starting field belongs to the Australian Grand Prix, which featured 14 riders.
Furthermore, the number could fall even lower if another team decides to withdraw. However, teams have so far maintained their commitment to compete in the Qatar Grand Prix.
