Marc Marquez responds to Qatar Grand Prix safety fears with just four words
Marquez is keeping quiet on Qatar (Credit: Apex Agency)
Connor Andrews is Formula 1 and MotoGP writer for GPblog and various outlets. Having worked in motorsport for 15 years for leading companies, he has interviewed the sports biggest names and attended multiple Grands Prix.
Marc Marquez gave a telling response over the ongoing drama surrounding the Qatar Grand Prix.
The event in Lusail was already delayed from its original April date due to the conflict in the Middle East, and is now on the schedule for next weekend - November 6 to 8.
In Australia last time out, The Race reported that the riders held a meeting with the organisers where two-thirds of the grid voted against racing in Qatar.
Safety concerns continue to grow with multiple reports that the US are planning more strikes on Qatar’s neighbour, Iran, after the midterm elections, just days before the race on November 3.
Marc Marquez gives four-word response to Qatar Grand Prix concerns
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Asked about the situation at an official MotoGP press conference, Marquez simply replied: “We cannot say nothing [anything].”
Alongside him, title rival Marco Bezzecchi added: “In the end I trust the organisation, the decision for sure will be taken because of many aspects, so let’s see, it’s not our discussion or something we have to speak about here.”
“We cannot say nothing [anything].”- Marc Marquez
Marquez’s comments come after his Ducati team manager, Davide Tardozzi, launched a passionate defence of the nine-time champion in Australia.
The 33-year-old is by far the biggest name in the sport, and Tardozzi felt there was an increasing narrative in the media that Marquez wasn’t using his status to speak about the situation.
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The Italian team boss insisted that his rider is vocal behind the scenes, unlike many of his rivals.
Qatar talks continue in private and have been kept out of press conferences (Credit: Red Bull Content Pool)
Ducati boss fiercely defends Marquez amid Qatar Grand Prix controversy
He explained: “As for Marc, he's simply the most charismatic person; so many riders who express opinions on the outside that are much, much more forceful than Marc's, then when it comes to a meeting in front of the organiser, they remain silent.
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“And that's a bit like that; it's a waste of time. That said, then you blame Marquez for being the only one who carries the voice of all the other riders, who has the courage to speak out despite other riders who, as I say and repeat, say much worse things than him.
“He was quite intelligent in saying, 'Let's try to mediate the situation, to bring about situations that can guarantee us that there's an evacuation, a plan B, that everything is in place for us to be safe.'
“That's what he asked for, but I repeat, there were many others who said worse things, but then didn't have the courage to repeat them in front of the organiser. That annoys me."
"So many riders who express opinions on the outside that are much, much more forceful than Marc's, then when it comes to a meeting in front of the organiser, they remain silent."- Davide Tardozzi
Asked why he’s chosen to speak out, Tardozzi clarified it was to protect Marquez.
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He added: "I read that Marc was blamed, as if he were the one who didn't want to go to Qatar.
“That's not the case; Marc simply asked, like many others, for an organisational safety plan, no more, no less.
“He didn't say 'I don't want to go.' And I repeat, for the third time, there were those who said they wouldn't go, but then in front of the organisers, they didn't say it again.
"Of course, there are situations that might make you think it would be better not to go.
“Then, when the safety conditions are in place, the evacuation plan, rather than just the guarantees that if something happens, there won't be any problems, we go."
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MotoGP riders demand safety guarantees ahead of Qatar Grand Prix
Latest reports from motorsport.com claim that the riders have demanded written guarantees from MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (MGPSEG).
The riders want a concrete evacuation plan, insurance covering costs if Qatari airspace is closed, and guarantees that they can leave the country in the event of an emergency.
Another meeting was held in Sepang, and although sources have described it as ‘constructive’, there are details to iron out before next weekend.
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