Ducati to take radiation experts to Japan

Ducati will dispatch Italian experts to next week’s Japanese MotoGP to constantly monitor radiation levels in and around the Twin Ring Motegi circuit.

MCN obtained a communication issued by the International Race Teams Association confirming experts from Bologna would travel to Japan to conduct round-the-clock testing.

Valentino Rossi only called off his threat to boycott the race on October 2 after Ducati commissioned its own private report to assess the risk posed by the Fukushima nuclear plant.

Rossi has been anxious about racing at the Twin Ring Motegi because of fears about the Fukushima plant, which suffered extensive damage in a devastating earthquake that struck Japan in March.

Dorna commissioned Italian experts to assess the threat of radiation contamination in and around the circuit earlier this season, which showed the risk to be negligible.

The IRTA document, issued last Thursday, said: “To further provide reassurance for those who are still undecided about travelling we have committed to a further programme of tests.

“We have agreed with Ducati that the specialist organisation from Bologna that prepared their study will send technicians to Motegi for the period of the race. They will take relevant measurements and every morning will publish the results from the previous day.

“We are entirely confident that the results obtained will only confirm all the previous studies, but are taking this action on behalf of our members so that even unfounded rumours can be properly addressed during the event.”