For some riders on the MotoGP grid, the Motegi GP is a dangerous event that could cause them to get sick from radiation poison. To Hiroshi Aoyoma, it's home. Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies have already confirmed that they will be racing in Japan next month, but other riders are still hesitant.
FIM and DORNA Sports have officially put the Motegi round back on the 2012 schedule, saying that, after a series of tests, there is no reason to worry about radiation poisoning at the Japan circuit. But that hasn't seemed to quell the fears toward the Japan GP.
Aoyoma says that he understands the fears that his European competitors have about racing in Japan, but he hopes that they will all decide to lineup next month.
"It's a difficult situation for European people," Aoyoma said. "I am Japanese, so anyway, I have a house there so I go home, even in a disaster situation. It's a completely different situation. And if I'm in a different situation, like on the other side, for sure I would think about it. But I try to believe this information and for sure we can go and for motorsports fans, they can make the people happy. That's the most important thing."
The MotoGP will race at Motegi on October 2nd, and the Japan fans will likely witness a full grid. Suzuki, Yamaha, and Honda all have a strong presence in the MotoGP, and from a manufacturer's standpoint, they'll want to show the Japanese people that their brands are still strong.
But Aoyoma knows that you can't force anyone to race.
"It's difficult. In this kind of situation nobody can push anybody," Aoyoma said. "The race is going on. I'm very happy about that. But still some people are doubting or thinking. I fully understand the situation, but if they would go to Japan to race, I would be very happy and I appreciate all the guys who will go to Japan."
You can read the full interview with Aoyoma here.
