Japanese MotoGP Round Moved Due to Earthquake and Tsunami

As a result of the recent earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit Japan March 11, the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) has confirmed that the Grand Prix of Japan has been postponed until October 2.

Last year’s Japanese round was also postponed and took place in October as well, due to travel disruption caused by the volcanic eruption in Iceland.

The FIM statement said: "Due to the disasters that have hit Japan in the last few days and a consequent request from the organizer, the Japanese Grand Prix, at the circuit of Twin Ring Motegi 120 km (75 miles) north of Tokyo, originally scheduled on April 24, has been postponed to October 2, 2011."

The revised 2011 calendar is now as follows:

March 20 – Qatar (Losail)
April 3 – Spain (Jerez)
May 1 – Portugal (Estoril)
May 15 – France (Le Mans)
June 5 – Catalunya (Catalunya)
June 12 – Great Britain (Silverstone)
June 25 – Netherlands (Assen)
July 3 – Italy (Mugello)
July 17 – Germany (Sachsenring)
July 24 – United States (Laguna Seca)
August 14 – Czech Republic (Brno)
August 28 – Indianapolis (Indianapolis)
September 4 – San Marino & Riviera di Rimini (Misano)
September 18 – Aragón (MotorLand)
October 2 – Japan (Motegi)
October 16 – Australia (Phillip Island)
October 23 – Malaysia (Sepang)
November 6 – Valencia (Ricardo Tormo – Valencia)