MotoGP World Championship officials informed the teams today (Sunday) that they had not received any information that would require a change to next week's Qatar Grand Prix, despite the objection of some racers who are concerned about traveling there in light of the ongoing war against Iran.
The race scheduled to be held at the Losail International Circuit, which was scheduled to be held last April, was postponed to the period from the sixth to the eighth of this November, due to the conflict that spread to large parts of the region after the American-Israeli attacks on Iran.
A group of contestants requested more guarantees regarding travel to the Gulf region, such as details of evacuation plans and compensation insurance.
A World Championship spokesman told Reuters: “The World Championship management met this morning with the teams to review the latest information and guarantees provided by the State of Qatar, the Losail International Circuit, the relevant embassies and independent experts. These internal and external assessments continue to guide our ongoing risk review and decision-making process. “After reviewing the latest information, receiving official confirmations from the State of Qatar, and reviewing the independent assessments currently available to us, we have not received any information that would require changing the current plans for the race.”
The World Championship added that the safety and well-being of everyone in each team’s area behind the garage “remains our top priority” before the final race of the season in Asia, before the series returns to Europe for the final two rounds in Portugal and Valencia.
The spokesman said: “We will continue to monitor developments closely and will remain in regular contact with all relevant authorities and stakeholders. Decisions of this kind must be based on the latest facts, advice from authoritative sources, and an assessment based on the knowledge available at the time we make those decisions. If that assessment changes, we will act as the situation requires.”
The meeting was also attended by the International Association of Road Racing Teams, which represents all MotoGP World Championship teams and contributes to coordinating logistics in each team's area of the circuit as well as the pit area.
Qatar ensured that none of the teams would remain stuck in the event of any escalation in the conflict. Aprilia and Ducati teams, the two main manufacturers in the championship this season, have confirmed that they will travel to Qatar.
Joshua Kimmich, a player for the German football team Bayern Munich, spoke for the first time about his father’s sudden death following his team’s 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund, yesterday (Saturday).
Kimmich said: “Last week was very difficult for my family, and for me as well. My father was always there for me. He was always by my side. He always supported me and believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself.”
The player, who wore the Bayern captaincy with his return, after missing the last three matches, added: “This is why my return was very difficult, because the moments when I am on the field are precisely the times when I think about him more than any other time.”
Berthold Kimmich died last week at the age of 57.
He said: “It was important for me to come back and try to restore my daily routine. Even if I sometimes wish the world would stop spinning, even if just for a little bit. But - fortunately and unfortunately at the same time - he continues to move forward.
He added that he was happy to return to the team, and expressed his gratitude for the condolences and sympathy he and his family received.
He said: “The support I received from the club, the German Football Association and everyone around us was very special. "It meant a lot to me."
French driver Esteban Ocon denied reports that he was excluded from the American Haas team participating in the Formula 1 World Championship, following a dispute with the team director. The Japanese, Ayao Komatsu, developed into a physical clash.
In a statement, the 30-year-old French driver confirmed that he “categorically rejects any reports or allegations indicating the use of any form of physical violence to settle” their differences.
Ocon, who has extensive experience spanning 10 years during which he participated in 198 races in the world championship with 6 different teams, was replaced on Saturday by Japanese reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa, despite his participation in the two free trials on Friday.
Hirakawa (32 years old); Twice World Endurance Racing Champion and winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans; The most famous endurance races, with the Toyota team, the oldest driver to make his debut in Formula 1 since German Andre Lotterer, who was 33 years old when he participated in the Belgian Grand Prix in 2014.
The Haas team did not provide any explanation for this sudden change.
Ocon had entered into a discussion via radio with German racing engineer Laura Muller during the second period of free practice on Friday, where they disagreed about the type of tires he would use. Ocon was told to use medium tires instead of soft, to which the driver disagreed, saying: “No. I want to use soft tires. Don't do that to me. Please.” Okon explained that “the difference in views led to a discussion with the parties concerned.”
Haas announced last month that next year, Brazilian driver Rafael Camara, from the Ferrari Driver Academy, would be replaced by Ocon.
In his statement, Okon said: “I condemn violence in all its forms, and I firmly believe that disputes must always be addressed with professionalism, respect and mutual understanding.” He added: “I ask everyone to avoid speculation while this matter is being dealt with. Any other developments will be announced in due course.”
