Bernie Ecclestone has confirmed that the Japanese Grand Prix will go ahead, dismissing fears that radiation from the failed Fukushima nuclear plant could deter visitors, teams and drivers.
This comes after leading MotoGP drivers Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo announced they wouldn’t travel to Japan in October to compete in the 15th round of the MotoGP championship.
The race is held at Motegi which is just 100km from the affected area, though the radiation levels aren’t expected to be harmful. F1 on the other hand it held at Suzuka, which is much further from the ‘disaster zone’.
Ecclestone put to bed any fears, saying the event “will go ahead as usual.”
Adding: “I don’t think people would ask everyone to go there if it wasn’t safe.”
Meanwhile a spokesperson for the Suzuka circuit, Masaru Unno, has confirmed their is no health risk to anyone who travels to the circuit for the event, due to the great distance.
