Many of the MotoGP riders are directly connected to Japan. Whether it's their home country, like Hiroshi Aoyoma, or if they ride a Japanese bike, like Casey Stoner, Jorge Lorenzo, or Dani Pedrosa, the MotoGP has strong ties with Japan. The MotoGP riders have all decided to step up their efforts to raise money for the Japan relief effort.
"We must give our maximum support to Japan at a moment such as this," said Jorge Lorenzo. "Japan is already a strong country that has always demonstrated its ability to overcome adversity. A strong embrace to all Japanese people and fans of motorcycling who live there."
All 17 MotoGP riders have put their signatures on a "We Are Japan" t-shirt. The t-shirt will be available at every MotoGP round this season, as well as from WeForJapan.MotoGP.com. The shirt will sell for 20 euros (about $28) and will help fund the relief effort in Japan.
"We considered the floods in Australia at the beginning of the year a huge disaster, but after the events we've seen in Japan - it's beyond what we can comprehend," said Casey Stoner. "Having heard some of the stories from colleagues in Honda and seeing the coverage on the news, it's devastating to hear what they are going through and our hearts and thoughts are with everyone in Japan. I hope they can find the courage to keep fighting and get through this period to help rebuild their lives".
The money raised from t-shirt purchases will be given to a humanitarian organization during the Japan GP. The Japan GP, which was scheduled to be the third round of the season, was postponed until October 2nd after the Earthquake.
"This is a very tough moment for everybody but we support Japan and we are with our Japanese friends," said Valentino Rossi. "We encourage them not to give up, and I wish good luck to everybody from me, and from all my team."
