Honda duo back Japanese MotoGP postponement

Factory Honda duo Andrea Dovizioso and Dani Pedrosa have supported the decision to postpone the Japanese MotoGP race following a devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan last week.

The race was due to take place on April 24 but has been rescheduled for October 2 as Japan tries to deal with one of the biggest natural disasters in its history.

The Twin Ring Motegi circuit suffered damage in the powerful earthquake but officials are confident the race will go ahead in early October.

Italian rider Andrea Dovizioso said: “Concerning the decision taken yesterday to postpone the GP of Japan, I agree with it.

“The extent of the damages made by the earthquake and the tsunami are so big that it was not thinkable to have a GP there in few weeks.

“The priority of the country in this moment is to take care of the people and recover from the situation. I feel very close to the Japanese people”.

Spaniard Pedrosa also spoke of his sorrow for the plight of tens of thousands of Japanese people affected by last Friday’s disaster.

The triple world champion said: “I am very sorry for what is going on in Japan. I have been with Honda since the beginning of my career and I have many Japanese friends. My thoughts are with them and I really hope the situation will get better soon for all of Japan”.

Pre-season favourite Casey Stoner said he was determined to deliver a good result in this weekend’s opening race in Qatar for Honda and its staff.

The Aussie said: “In this difficult time with the events in Japan, it is hard to go racing and this tragedy is at the front of all our minds.

“That said, it’s what we do, so we must concentrate to the best of our abilities to bring home a good result for Honda and all it’s employees.”

It is the second year in succession that the Japanese round of the world championship has been rescheduled.

Last year’s race was postponed from April to October following the volcanic ash crisis that prevented most of the paddock from flying from Europe to the Far East.