Arguably the most contentious topic in the MotoGP paddock at the moment is the Japanese GP at Motegi. The majority of riders are concerned that they will be exposed to unhealthy levels radiation because of the track's proximity to the Fukushima nuclear power plant which began leaking radiation in March.
While Casey Stoner has softened his stance on racing at Motegi after initial misgivings about radiation levels, nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi has told the media he is still concerned about the situation on the ground.
Rossi was forthright in his views on racing at Motegi, which is about 110km from the Fukushima nuclear plant that began leaking radiation in March.
"I really don’t think I’ll go to Japan," Rossi told the Italian media. "I was hoping that the championship organisers would make the right decision, but that hasn’t been the case and now we’ve got a serious problem."
Like many other riders with a strong opinion on the venue's proximity to heightened levels of radiation, the Italian Ducati Corse rider has previously stated that he thinks a better solution would be to move the race to Suzuka.
MotoGP promoter Dorna contracted an investigative team to assess the levels of radiation on and around the Motegi Twin Rings race track in Japan. The results of the enquiry deemed the radiation levels were insufficient to cause health risks to anyone attending and Dorna has since confirmed the race will go ahead on October 2.
Expect more wrangling from Dorna, teams and riders as the race draws closer.
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