Manu Gonzalez, who recently took his first Moto2 victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, finds himself at the center of an unexpected controversy. After an impressive race where he beat championship leader Ai Ogura, his main sponsor, QJ Motor, asked Gresini Racing to end their collaboration with the Spanish driver. The reason? Wearing a hachimaki, the traditional Japanese ribbon, on the starting grid of the race in Motegi.
This symbolic ribbon is an act of respect to
Japanbut it also carries heavy historical connotations, particularly for the Chine. This gesture sparked an immediate reaction from QJ
Motorthe Chinese sponsor of the Gresini Moto2 team which employs Gonzalez.
Although it was carried innocently, hachimaki is associated with Japanese military forces of World War IIa period during which China suffered significant repression. Given the importance of the sponsor for the Spanish driver and the sensitivity of the gesture, the situation took a diplomatic turn.
The case of Manu Gonzalez is now a diplomatic incident
QJ Motor issued a statement to express its dissatisfaction: “ although the act was unintentional on Gonzalez’s part, this behavior hurt the national sentiments of the riders and the Chinese people. We have requested that the images and videos in question be immediately removed, and that the Gresini team ends its cooperation with the driver. »
For now, Gresini Racing has not yet announced specific measures against Gonzalez. However, the latter has already confirmed that he will join the Intact GP team next season, and this affair could accelerate this transition. Currently, Manu Gonzalez is sixth in the Moto2 standings, tied with Joe
Roberts and with 153 points, 75 points behind the leader Oh Ogura.
The situation highlights the importance of symbolic and cultural gestures in international sport, where even the most innocuous acts can be interpreted differently depending on national sensitivities. It remains to be seen how Gresini Racing will respond to this request for
QJ Motor and if this will affect the end of the season Manu Gonzalez and Moto2.
