Yamaha cautious on Jorge Lorenzo’s Motegi boycott plan

Yamaha has said it is too early to decide what action could be taken against reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo if he honours his vow not to ride in the Japanese Grand Prix in October.

Lorenzo has been adamant that he won’t travel for the Twin Ring Motegi race on October 2 because of fears about radiation levels following the extensive damage caused to the Fukushima nuclear plant when a devastating earthquake hit Japan in March.

Lorenzo has been one of the most vocal opponents about plans to stage the race in early October and he reiterated his refusal to go during last weekend’s German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring.

Lorenzo and Casey Stoner have made their minds up to boycott the race before the findings of an independent report, commissioned by Dorna at the request of the riders, have been released.

An initial report should be made available this weekend at Laguna Seca, while full details of the investigation carried out by experts from an Italian university will be made public on July 31.

Lorenzo’s refusal to go means he will be in breach of his contract with the Japanese factory. Yamaha management though have said it is too early to understand what might happen if the double 250GP world champion stands by his pledge not to attend the Twin Ring Motegi race.

Yamaha boss Lin Jarvis told MCN: “There are many personal opinions on this and Yamaha’s corporate view is that we what to here the opinion of the authorities like the FIM and Dorna.  We need confirmation if the environment is stable or not and then each individual can make their own decision. I can’t say whether Jorge will go or not. Only Jorge can say that. It is difficult for me to think what we would do if one or both of our riders wouldn’t go. Maybe it will be clearer in the next couple of weeks.”