MotoGP's Japanese round has been postponed in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit the nation last week.
The Motegi event had been set for April 22-24, but was always in doubt with Japan presently facing a massive relief and reconstruction effort, continuing problems with damaged nuclear facilities, and power shortages. A spokesperson from the FIM, motorcycling's governing body, confirmed to the Associated Press that the race would be rescheduled.
There have already been reports that Oct. 2 has been penciled in as a new date for the Japanese Grand Prix. This year's MotoGP calendar contains a break between the Aragon event on Sept. 18 and Australia on Oct. 16.
This will be the second year in succession that MotoGP has rescheduled its Japanese round. Last season Motegi's date was shifted from April to October following the volcanic ash crisis that severely restricted air travel in Europe.