Because Manuel Gonzalez wore a Japanese headband at Motegi, Chinese sponsor QJ Motor is demanding that it be removed – No more sponsor logo at Gresini
The Japanese Grand Prix was a day of celebration for the Gresini team in the Moto2 class. Manuel Gonzalez made the right choice with the tires, overtook local hero Ai Ogura and celebrated his first victory in the World Championship. But since then, there has been a lot of discussion behind the scenes.
Since 2023, QJ Motor has been the main sponsor of the Gresini Moto2 team. The Qianjiang Motorcycle Group is a motorcycle manufacturer from China that was founded in 1985. This year, QJ Motor competed in a few races in the Supersport World Championship and is planning to enter the Superbike World Championship.
In the past, the Chinese brand only appeared as a sponsor in the motorcycle world championship. After the Grand Prix of Japan, an argument with Gresini flared up. Before the start of the race, Gonzalez was wearing a Japanese headband, which outraged the Chinese.
Because it was a Japanese hachimaki headband. After the race, QJ Motor issued a statement demanding that all photos of Gonzalez with this headband be removed.
They also demanded the immediate dismissal of the Spaniard. “Before the race, there was an unpleasant incident,” the QJ Motor statement said. “Gonzalez wore an unauthorized accessory of the host country at the invitation of the organizers before the start.”
“He shared this action on social media. Although it was an unintentional gesture, as a European driver, it is due to his lack of knowledge of Chinese history, such behavior offends the feelings of motorcyclists and citizens of China.”
Japan’s war on mainland China
This refers to the Second Sino-Japanese War, which took place between 1937 and 1945. Japan occupied parts of eastern China at the time. In China, this war is referred to as the Anti-Japanese War.
Around 3.2 million soldiers and nine million civilians died on the Chinese side during the fighting. During the occupation, the Japanese military committed serious war crimes. China was supported by the Allies during the Second World War.
It was only when Japan surrendered after the US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki that the Japanese troops withdrew from the Chinese mainland. This is the historical background to QJ Motor’s annoyance.
QJ Motor demands Manuel Gonzalez’s expulsion
In the statement after Motegi, it says: “After the incident, Qianjiang Motorcycle immediately began serious talks with the Gresini team and demanded that all published images and videos be removed.”
“And that the team is stopping all cooperation with the driver concerned.” Gonzalez responded immediately with a statement on Instagram. He apologized and emphasized that this was not an action to send a political message.
“Instead, they were images related to the country hosting the race. It was never my intention to offend the Chinese people. It was an ill-considered and involuntary gesture for which I am sorry. Again, I am terribly sorry.”
How the Gresini team reacted
The Gresini team initially did not want to comment on the matter. Now there has been a statement in the preview of the Australian Grand Prix. Firstly, Gonzalez will not be fired and will keep his job until the end of the season.
Secondly, Gresini said regarding the disagreements: “QJ Motor and Gresini are in positive discussions and we expect that everything will be resolved soon. As a sign of respect for China, the Moto2 team will compete in the last four races of the season without branding.”
The red QJ Motor logos will disappear from the motorcycles and leather suits of Gonzalez and his teammate Albert Arenas. QJ Motor has also already disappeared from the team’s website, including from the Gresini logo.