MotoGP bosses hit back over Motegi boycott threat
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MotoGP bosses hit back over Motegi boycott threat
MotoGP boss Carmelo Ezepeleta has hit back at statements made by Casey Stoner, Jorge Lorenzo and other riders about not travelling to Motegi for the planned Japanese Grand Prix in October, saying they should wait for the results of an independent raditation inspection due to be released at the end of July.

And he was backed up by IRTA president and Monster Yamaha team boss Herve Poncharal who said that to say they are not going is disrespecting the Japanese and all they have done for motorcycle racing.

"Two meetings ago, the riders made a request for some independent research into the situation. We have done that with a company dedicated to this kind of research for food, beverage, soil, everything. They are doing that this week and next week and at the end of next week we will know the result and we will have an official document by July 31 signed by these people," said Ezpeleta.

"If the report is ok, we don't have any right to cancel the race. For me, this is how it is working. We have a contract with Motegi to be there if there is no force majeure against, we cannot cancel and unless Motegi ask us to cancel the race we will not. We have an agreement with IRTA, IRTA has an agreement with the teams and the teams have an agreement with the riders. I cannot punish the riders as I do not have a contract with the riders."

Due to the unique way in which MotoGP works, if a circuit wants a GP they sign a deal with Dorna who own the commercial rights. Dorna have a contract with IRTA (International Race Teams Association) to make the races happen and IRTA have a contract with the teams and the teams with their riders to make sure they turn up.

"All this is a lack of respect for the Japanese people, a lack of respect for the organisers. A lot of people here are carrying stickers supporting Japan. Japan has done a lot for motorcycle racing and for this championship, suffered a lot and the minimum respect is to try and see if we can help them. If everyone who knows says it is safe, why don't we go? We are talking crazy here," said Poncharal

"Each rider is linked to his own team and has a contract with his own team. Riders have to honour the contract they have with their team so it is up to the team to make up their mind and find a solution with their riders. If the rider does not want to do that then you can replace him, as you would do when he is injured."
19-07-2011, 07:55 PM
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