The MotoGP riders have met with championship executives at the Phillip Island circuit with the aim of requesting a series of guarantees before their participation in the Qatar Grand Prix, scheduled for November 8. This event will mark the first race in Qatar since it was postponed due to the armed conflict in the region, involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Initially scheduled for April, the Grand Prix was moved to November due to the instability in the Middle East. Executives from the MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (MGPSEG) claim to have the necessary guarantees from the Qatari government that will allow the event to take place safely. However, the level of alarm among the riders remains latent, especially as recent attacks have taken place at several key locations in Saudi Arabia by Houthis aligned with Iran.
These concerns arose in Indonesia, where several riders expressed their reservations about the viability of going to Qatar. Through a WhatsApp group formed years ago, they voted, and three-quarters of the grid opposed the trip to Losail.
During the meeting at Phillip Island, the riders proposed asking for written guarantees from the organizers, including an evacuation plan for the paddock, coverage of accommodation costs if the airspace is closed, and ensuring repatriation insurance if the conflict escalates during their stay.
The requests were presented to MotoGP’s Executive Director, Carlos Ezpeleta, during the Safety Commission meeting held on Friday. Despite the uncertainty, the focus of the teams’ work has been on the belief that the Qatar race will take place. However, this episode could be the impetus to activate the riders’ association that has long been discussed.
Indeed, this organization was established three years ago, with French rider Sylvain Guintoli named as spokesperson, although he never took on the role. Now, faced with such a relevant issue, several riders like Alex Márquez have defined the need for activity and unity within the collective.
Francesco Bagnaia also mentioned that the unity of the riders is essential and expressed the intention to resume discussions on the creation of the association upon returning to Europe. The current situation has highlighted that it is essential for riders to have more voice concerning their safety and working conditions.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
