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VR46 Establishes Voluntary Attendance Policy
VR46 has revealed its stance on the Qatar Grand Prix after confirming that some personnel will stay home, making attendance optional for its riders and crew. Speaking to the press in Sepang via Moto.it during the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend, Uccio Salucci detailed the position of Valentino Rossi's MotoGP squad. Salucci explained that the team would be sending an official email to the riders and the entire team clarifying that participation is entirely up to each individual whether they want to come or not. Sticking to his position, Salucci described the decision as a very personal matter and confirmed he knows some of the team will be staying at home, adding that the organization is there precisely to manage such situations as best it can.
Paddock Hesitation and Travel Guidance
The development arrives amid hesitancy across the paddock, with less than a week remaining before the MotoGP grid is scheduled to arrive in Lusail for this year's edition of the Qatar Grand Prix. Despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the sport's top brass appears not to be cancelling the race. At the same time, many countries have updated their travel advice for Qatar in recent days, with the majority of them warning against any travel unless it is totally necessary.
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MotoGP Stance and Financial Warnings
Paddock reaction includes an unnamed team boss who called the decision unacceptable, while MotoGP bosses have gone as far as reminding teams that they will be fined should they not show up for the 20th round of racing this year. Meanwhile, MotoGP has seemingly refused to address concerns over the event. Deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta recently shared a photograph of himself alongside Lusail International Circuit president Abdulrahman Al Mannai. An Instagram caption accompanying the post stated that the circuit was delighted to welcome Ezpeleta to inspect firsthand the final stages of preparation for the event, adding that with the countdown underway, organisers are ready to welcome riders, teams, and fans back to Qatar for another spectacular MotoGP weekend.
Manufacturer Responses Across the Grid
Uncertainty also surrounds other competitors across the championship. While no official comment has come from Yamaha or Honda, many have theorised that both manufacturers are also opposed to the Qatar Grand Prix proceeding. Meanwhile, the remaining manufacturers on the grid—Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia—have remained tight-lipped regarding their stance, leaving VR46 as the most open squad in communicating individual travel flexibility.
Sources: Uccio Salucci reveals VR46’s stance on Qatar as he confirms some employees will be ‘staying at home’.
