Ash cloud forces Japan postponement
Added on Sunday, April 18th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments
Ash cloud forces Japan postponement
The Japanese Grand Prix is to be postponed, with the volcanic ash cloud currently covering most of Northern Europe throwing logistical plans into chaos.
With much of Europe’s airspace still expected to be at least partially closed early this week due to the ash cloud from the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull, MotoGP promoter Dorna S.A are expected to confirm on Monday that the Japanese Grand Prix will not take place at the Motegi Twin Ring this weekend.
It is believed that the event will be rescheduled for the weekend of October 1-3, a fortnight after the Aragon Grand Prix in northern Spain and one week before the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Whilst some aviation experts had suggested that the ash cloud may have dispersed enough for some planes to begin flying from the countries affected, in time for teams and riders to make it to Japan, the MotoGP teams had pushed Dorna to make an early decision on the event, citing concerns over costs and the possibility of being stranded in Japan should the travel problems continue.
The decision to cancel is also thought to have considered the effects on the Spanish Grand Prix, due to take place in Jerez the following week, with Dorna mindful of the financial implications of rearranging what is by far the most lucrative Grand Prix on the calendar should teams become stranded in the Far East.
The decision to cancel will also be good news for championship leader Valentino Rossi, who will now have an additional week to recover from a minor motocross accident during the week.
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