MotoGP Racers May Skip Motegi Race

MotoGP riders held an impromptu meeting over the weekend to discuss
the potential ramifications of skipping the upcoming Japanese Grand
Prix in October against the wishes of race officials.
Nearly all the racers gathered at Valentino Rossi's motorhome
inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway paddock. Rossi has been the
most outspoken rider when it comes to skipping the event, which
takes place at Twin Ring Motegi.
The crux of the issue centers around fallout from the Japanese
earthquake. The event was originally scheduled for April, but was
called off due to the earthquake and tsunami. Motegi is located
somewhat close to the nuclear power plant that experienced issues
in the wake of the disaster. The Japanese government and MotoGP
officials say that the radiation levels are completely safe and
acceptable. However, the racers are not so sure, and are
contemplating a mass boycott of the race.
The group of racers met for nearly an hour to discuss their plans
and what consequences each could face, which varies from team to
team. However, no decision was reached.
"The situation remains like this and we discussed just a bit, but
we didn't speak directly to Carmelo (Ezpeleta), but I think the
situation is what you already know," Rossi said at a press
conference. "Still up in the air, so that's it."