Yamaha said it will not race in the Qatar Grand Prix next weekend over safety concerns in the Middle East, a decision that could expose the team to punishment.

The team said it has not identified sufficient grounds to change its existing company-wide travel restrictions on traveling to the Middle East, with the Japanese government advising its citizens against non-essential travel to the region. MotoGP said it does not believe the decision reflects “the extensive assurances provided to all championship stakeholders”.