LONDON: MotoGP organizers have called off next month's Grand Prix of Japan as the nation deals with the combined effects of an earthquake, tsunami and radiation leaks from nuclear plants. International Motorcycling Federation spokeswoman Isabelle Larivier told The Associated Press that the event had been postponed until later in the season. The event was due to be staged at the Motegi circuit north of Tokyo on April 24. The race was also postponed last year until October because of air travel disruption caused by the eruption of a volcano in Iceland. Meanwhile, FIA president Jean Todt said Tuesday that Australia should be permanently retained on the Formula One circuit. Todt, in Melbourne as part of a global road safety campaign, said Australia should always host an annual F1 race. The Frenchman's view appears to be at odds with those of F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, who said recently that F1 “does not need” the Australian race as debate about its value to its host state of Victoria emerged once again. Todt was Ferrari F1 team principal for 15 years until 2007, then Ferrari CEO before being appointed to head motorsport world governing body FIA in 2009. Todt was keen to promote road safety rather than motorsport Tuesday, but said as long as F1 continued, the Australian Grand Prix should be a part of it.
