P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Chinese motorcycle manufacturer QJ Motor has called for the Gresini team it sponsors in the Moto2 class to immediately sack Motegi race winner Manuel Gonzalez after he wore a traditional Japanese hachimaki headband
QJ Motor, Chinese motorcycle manufacturer, has urged the Gresini team to dismiss Manuel Gonzalez, the Motegi race winner in the Moto2 class, for wearing a traditional Japanese hachimaki headband, which has a sensitive historical context in China. Gonzalez, without malicious intent, wore the hachimaki on the grid before the Japanese Grand Prix, causing controversy. The hachimaki, originating from the samurai era and later associated with Japanese military actions in World War Two, carries painful memories for China due to Japan’s brutal invasion. Despite Gonzalez’s lack of awareness, QJ Motor demanded immediate removal of social media images and termination of cooperation with Gresini, leading to Gonzalez’s potential expulsion with four rounds left in the 2024 championship. Gonzalez’s victory boosted his standing in Moto2 standings, but the Gresini Racing team is yet to comment on the situation.
