QJ Motor Demands Gresini Racing Fire Manuel Gonzalez Over Hachimaki Controversy

The Chinese motorcycle manufacturer calls for the Moto2 rider’s immediate termination following his use of a traditional Japanese headband, citing cultural insensitivity.

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Chinese motorcycle manufacturer QJ Motor, a sponsor of the Gresini Racing team in the Moto2 class, has stirred controversy by demanding the immediate firing of rider Manuel Gonzalez. 

The call for action follows Gonzalez’s decision to wear a traditional Japanese hachimaki headband during the Motegi race weekend, which QJ Motor claims has offended the Chinese people.

Gonzalez, 22, celebrated his first-ever Moto2 victory at last weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix. However, the Spaniard’s joy was overshadowed by backlash from QJ Motor after he was seen wearing the headband on the starting grid. The traditional hachimaki, which symbolizes determination and perseverance in Japanese culture, was viewed by QJ Motor as a reminder of historical tensions between China and Japan.

In a statement, QJ Motor acknowledged that “Although it was an unintentional act because he was a European player and did not understand Chinese history, this behaviour has hurt the feelings of Chinese riders and the Chinese people.”

The manufacturer, which has been a sponsor of Gresini Racing since the beginning of the season, expressed its dissatisfaction by urging the team to sever ties with the rider. “Qianjiang Motorcycle immediately concluded 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,” QJ Motor declared.

Gonzalez’s victory at Motegi capped an impressive season in which he secured three podium finishes and rose to sixth in the overall standings. Despite the Spaniard’s success, QJ Motor’s demands have cast a shadow over his achievement.

The hachimaki, while representing perseverance, also holds painful historical connotations for China due to Japan’s occupation during World War II, which resulted in millions of Chinese deaths. While Gonzalez’s headband only featured the phrase “No.1” in Kanji without any political or symbolic elements, QJ Motor viewed the gesture as insensitive.

Despite the uproar, it remains unclear whether Gresini Racing will comply with QJ Motor’s demand. With Gonzalez set to join Intact GP next season, only four races remain in his time with Gresini, leaving fans eager to see how the drama unfolds ahead of the next round at Australia’s Philip Island.

This incident has ignited debate within the motorsport community. Some argue that QJ Motor’s reaction is excessive, particularly given the benign nature of Gonzalez’s gesture. Others, however, sympathize with the cultural sensitivities involved and stress the importance of understanding the historical context in such situations.

As the season progresses, the tension between sponsor and team adds a layer of complexity to an already thrilling Moto2 campaign.