Uccio Salucci has confirmed that several VR46 team members will stay at home rather than travel to the Qatar Grand Prix, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The MotoGP paddock is due to arrive at Lusail in less than a week for the 20th round of the championship, and the sport’s management remains adamant about proceeding despite widespread unease.

Transform your passion into a work of art. Inspired by racing. Crafted for your wall – STUDIOSBRICKS

The decision to press forward with the race has ignited sharp criticism within the paddock. An unnamed team principal labeled the insistence “unacceptable,” especially as MotoGP officials have warned teams they face financial penalties if they fail to participate.

This hardline approach flies in the face of recent global travel advisories, with numerous countries cautioning against non-essential travel to Qatar amid the ongoing conflict.

MotoGP shows support for Lusail

MotoGP’s deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta publicly displayed solidarity with the Lusail International Circuit, posting an Instagram photo alongside circuit president Abdulrahman Al Mannai. Ezpeleta’s message heralded the event’s readiness:

“We were delighted to welcome MotoGP Deputy CEO, Carlos Ezpeleta, to Lusail International Circuit today to see first-hand the final stages of preparation for next week’s event. With the countdown now underway, we are ready to welcome the riders, teams and fans back to Qatar for another spectacular MotoGP weekend.”

Salucci: participation is a personal choice

Yet, beneath the surface, unease permeates the paddock. Uccio Salucci, VR46’s team manager, delivered a candid briefing during the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang. He revealed that participation in Qatar is being left to individual choice within the team.

“The Qatar Grand Prix? I’m sticking to my guns,” Salucci stated. “Today we’ll be sending an official email to the riders and the whole team explaining that participation is entirely up to each individual – whether they want to come or not. I’m sticking to my position; it’s a very personal matter indeed. I know that some of our team will be staying at home, but that’s fine. We’re here precisely to try and manage these situations as best we can, and we’ll see.”

Other manufacturers stay silent

While Yamaha and Honda have not issued official comments, speculation swirls that they may share VR46’s reservations. Meanwhile, Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia remain conspicuously silent on the matter, neither condemning nor endorsing the Qatar Grand Prix proceeding as scheduled.

This deep division exposes a growing rift between MotoGP’s governing body and its teams, raising urgent questions about the sport’s priorities amidst geopolitical strife. As the countdown to the Lusail race ticks onward, the spotlight intensifies on riders and teams forced to balance professional obligations against personal convictions and safety concerns.