Stephen Marriott

The ongoing situation surrounding MotoGP teams potentially withdrawing from the Qatar GP is certainly one to keep an eye on. However, it is important to establish some perspective. Qatar is neither a threat nor currently an active participant in any regional conflict as ongoing peace talks happening (for now) . I understand teams exercising caution and taking precautionary measures, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding the region. However, much of the concern appears to be driven by the possibility of a conflict reigniting should certain political figures decide to escalate matters something that, at present, seems far from materialising. It is also worth considering the credibility and impartiality of some of the reporting surrounding this situation. One particularly outspoken journalist has a documented history of publicly expressing political views that include support for actions widely condemned as genocide, alongside remarks that were perceived as racist towards Islam and the region . Although those posts and political statements have since been deleted, that does not automatically erase the questions surrounding his impartiality. I am equally surprised that a sports publication such as Motorsport did not appear to address or challenge this conduct, particularly given the professional standards expected of its journalists. there is another dimension to the Qatar GP in MotoGP and the Abu Dhabi GP in Formula 1 that deserves attention. Both events are facing uncertainty through circumstances that are not necessarily of their own making. If the underlying dispute involves hosting fees and contractual obligations, then the question becomes whether the organisers are attempting to avoid refunding those fees while effectively forcing the promoters to forfeit their events. I fully support Qatar and Abu Dhabi standing their ground. They should not be expected to absorb substantial financial losses because of circumstances beyond their control and it’s one they did not start , nor should they be pressured into surrendering their contractual rights. There is a difference between exercising caution and being made to pay for someone else’s decisions.

Pole scenes from Mexico City 🇲🇽