Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1527902
Gresini vs. QJ Motor M anuel Gonzalez has been the subject of much speculation over the past week. Unfortunately for the Spaniard, it had little to do with his debut within the Moto2 class, which he achieved at the Japanese Grand Prix. The 22-year-old was pic - tured wearing a hachimaki—a Japanese headband—on the grid before the race, with which his Gresini Moto2 squad's principal sponsor and Chinese motorcycle manufacturer QJ Motor took umbrage. The sensitivity stems from the fact the hachimaki was worn by soldiers in the Japanese impe - rial army during the Second Sino-Japanese War, between 1937 and 1945, when it was at war with China and even invaded its borders. Speculation mounted over whether Gonzalez had been sacked last week when QJ Motor removed his profile from its website. The Gresini team refused to comment when ap - proached by Cycle News. Now, the QJ Motor logo has been re- moved from its website, hinting there could be a split between team and sponsor. The Chinese company is- sued an official statement in the wake of the Japanese Grand Prix, expressing its wish to have Gonzalez sacked. "A very discor- dant incident occurred during the race: the Gresini team rider, Gonzalez, without permission wore a decorative accessory from the host country upon the organizers' invitation before the race started, and shared this action on social media," read the statement. "Although it was an uninten - tional gesture due to his lack of knowledge of Chinese his- tory as a European rider, such behavior offended the national sentiments of motorcyclists and citizens of China. "Following the incident, Qian- jiang Motorcycle immediately initiated a serious discussion with the Gresini team, request - ing that all published images and videos be removed imme- diately, and demanded that the team cease all collaboration with the involved rider." For his part, Gonzalez is - sued his own statement, which expressed deep regret at the incident. "I'm writing this post to apologize to anyone in China who felt offended by some of my photos on the grid at the Japanese Grand Prix," Gonzalez said. "It was not intended to be a political message; they were instead pictures related to the country hosting the race. "It was never my intention to disrespect or hurt the sentiment of the Chinese people, it was a thoughtless and involuntary gesture, and I regret it. Again, I am terribly sorry and sincerely wish I can be forgiven and have your support, thank you." Neil Morrison WIND IN THE P34 Manuel Gonzalez still has his ride at this stage, but QJ's sponsorship of Gresini's Moto2 program is very much up in the air.