Only two MotoGP riders willing to race in Qatar amid Middle East tensions, insider reveals
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A clandestine riders’ meeting at Sepang has exposed widespread unease within the MotoGP paddock over the Qatar Grand Prix, with only Marco Bezzecchi and Ai Ogura reportedly ready to compete despite escalating regional conflicts. The revelation comes from paddock insider Gavin Emmett, who disclosed the secret gathering took place away from team managers and MotoGP officials, underscoring the riders’ growing concerns.
As tensions flare in the Middle East,
As tensions flare in the Middle East, with recent strikes targeting areas in Qatar, the championship remains determined to proceed with the race at the Lusail International Circuit next weekend. Teams have been explicitly warned that any boycott would result in financial penalties under existing manufacturer regulations. Yet, beneath this official stance, the riders convened for a frank discussion, highlighting divisions within the grid.
Speaking during TNT Sports’ coverage of Free Practice 2 at Sepang, Emmett detailed: “There was a meeting last night at the track between the riders alone. No team managers, and no MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group. They gathered in the Yamaha offices to talk about Qatar and their participation in the Grand Prix.” Emmett added that unanimity was absent, with many riders uncertain about racing: “I don’t think anyone was saying, ‘I definitely don’t want to go,’ but it was a grown-up conversation. Only two were happy to go, and both are Aprilia riders: Marco Bezzecchi and Ai Ogura.”
This insider glimpse into the paddock’s mindset contrasts sharply with the championship’s public messaging. Earlier reports quoted an unnamed MotoGP team manager condemning the decision to hold the Qatar GP as “unacceptable,” while speculation has surfaced suggesting riders might be coached on what narratives to present publicly.
Former MotoGP rider and pundit Neil Hodgson weighed
Former MotoGP rider and pundit Neil Hodgson weighed in on the timing of the riders’ initiative: “This feels a little too late to be having these meetings.” Hodgson noted that Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has been proactive, engaging in contingency planning and liaising with local authorities. “Qatar will bankroll anything needed if there are problems. There’s an FIM rally happening this weekend, so things are proceeding as normal. We all know the threat is significant, but for now, it’s business as usual,” Hodgson concluded.
The stark disparity between the riders’ private apprehensions and the championship’s official resolve to maintain the Qatar round signals a brewing tension that could impact the weekend’s proceedings. Only Bezzecchi and Ogura’s willingness to race stands out against a backdrop of rider uncertainty, raising questions about the future of MotoGP events in geopolitically sensitive regions.
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