Confusion Surrounds QJMotor’s Alleged Moto2 Rider Sacking Demand
QJMotor is thought to have demanded the immediate sacking of Gresini rider Manuel Gonzalez after he was seen wearing a hachimaki headband, but Gresini's statement has thrown the legitimacy into doubt
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Manuel Gonzalez secured his maiden Moto2 win at last weekend’s Japanese MotoGP, but pictures of him wearing a traditional Japanese hachimaki headband on the grid pre-race have reportedly angered Gresini’s Chinese sponsor QJMotor.
The hachimaki, a Japanese item of clothing that dates back to the samurai era, was heavily used during World War Two by the Japanese military, most notably by kamikaze pilots while flying suicide missions.
Japan's invasion of China occurred two years prior to the start of the war in Europe and is recognised by historians as one of the world’s most brutal conflicts. It resulted in the death of around 20 million Chinese citizens.
Gonzalez wearing a hachimaki has since led to huge controversy, so much so it has led QJMotor to reportedly demand his immediate release with four rounds of the season remaining.
A statement allegedly from QJMotor said: "Gonzalez, a racer of the cooperative team Gresini, was invited by the organiser before the start of the race and privately wore the host country's "Bojumaki" decoration and spread it on social platforms.
"Although it was an unintentional act because he was a European player and did not understand Chinese history, this behaviour has hurt the national feelings of Chinese riders and the Chinese people.
"After the incident, Qianjiang Motorcycle immediately conducted solemn negotiations with its partner Gresini team, demanding that the relevant pictures and video content be removed immediately, and that the team immediately terminate its cooperation with the rider."
But Gresini has poured cold water over the legitimacy of the statement by admitting it is checking the authenticity of the comments.
“We know the controversy caused by this statement, whose origin we are currently verifying,” a spokesperson told PaddockGP.
“Nothing has reached us officially, and we are analysing the source. While we understand the disappointment coming from China, whoever wrote this note, we insist that the pilot has no responsibility in this matter. Hachimaki is available throughout Japan."
Gresini has committed to conducting a full investigation into the matter because it appears as though the content within the message does not appear to know the contractual terms.
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