Gresini Racing Drops QJ Motor Branding Amid Controversy 

Gresini Racing’s Moto2 team will compete without QJ Motor’s branding for the rest of 2024 after rider Manuel Gonzalez unintentionally caused offense with a Japanese hachimaki headband.

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Gresini Racing’s Moto2 team will not feature the branding of its Chinese title sponsor, QJ Motor, for the rest of the 2024 season following a controversy involving rider Manuel Gonzalez. 

The incident occurred when Gonzalez, ahead of his victory at the Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi, wore a traditional Japanese hachimaki headband on the grid. The imagery caused offence in China due to historical tensions related to World War II.

QJ Motor acknowledged that the gesture was unintentional and a result of Gonzalez’s lack of knowledge regarding Chinese history. However, the company reportedly requested that Gresini cease its collaboration with the rider. Despite this, Gresini Racing has confirmed that Gonzalez will continue to race alongside teammate Albert Arenas for the final four rounds of the season.

In a statement ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, Gresini Racing clarified that while discussions with QJ Motor are ongoing, the team will race without any branding from the sponsor as a mark of respect toward China. The team is hopeful that the situation will be resolved soon.

Gonzalez, who is set to leave the team at the end of the season, issued an apology, explaining that his actions were not meant to carry any political message or to disrespect the Chinese people. 

“It was never meant to be a political message, but only a set of pictures related to the city hosting the race. This was never intended as a lack of respect or an offensive gesture to the Chinese people, it was an unwitting and involuntary gesture that I regret. Gonzalez said.

“I’d like to apologise once again, hoping to receive your forgiveness and support. Thank you,” he said.

Despite the controversy, Gonzalez remains focused on the remainder of the season. Currently sixth in the championship and just 15 points behind second place, Gonzalez aims to finish the season strong, particularly as the series heads to Phillip Island, Thailand, Malaysia, and finally Valencia. 

He expressed confidence in his ability to challenge for podium finishes, especially at Sepang, where he believes the team’s setup suits the track well.

Gonzalez concluded by reaffirming his determination to push for a top-three finish in the championship, stating, “We’re very close, and anything can happen.”