Wolff criticises MotoGP riders over Qatar stance

Mercedes Formula 1 team boss Toto Wolff has criticised MotoGP riders for their standoff over racing in Qatar, saying they "geopolitically know nothing about what's going on" but have an audience that listens. His comments came at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where he backed F1 and the FIA's plans to race in the region.

MotoGP's Qatar Grand Prix is going ahead this weekend despite 19 of the 22 riders on the grid signing a letter stating they would not race unless the championship took responsibility for anything that might go wrong. Yamaha withdrew its four riders, as it would not be moved from the company's travel policy on the Middle East.

Wolff said he would have done the same as the MotoGP management, saying that anyone who wants to ride should go and anyone who does not should stay away. F1 is due to race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi at the end of November and early December, with a back-up plan to host a round in Imola.