Motegi, 28 September 2023
The Asian tour of the MotoGP continues and, this weekend, makes a stop in the Far East for the fourteenth round of the season, the Japanese GP.
The Motegi circuit, a staple of the calendar since 1999, is also called the Twin Ring because, in addition to the 4,801-metre road course, it also includes a 2,493-metre oval. It has fourteen corners, six left and eight right, while the longest straight measures 762 meters. The track layout is one of the most demanding for the braking system, which is highly stressed due to the strong decelerations and the difficulty in cooling down between braking sections.
The new Fantic Racing team line-up had already been announced, with the arrival of Mattia Casadei to replace Borja Gomez until the end of this season. In turn, the young Spaniard will replace the unlucky Celestino Vietti, who was forced to skip the Japanese GP due to an injury suffered at the first corner of the Indian GP five days ago. The rider from Ciriè suffered a fracture to the pelvic bone, a second fracture near the sacrum, and a hematoma to the shoulder and will be out for some time. His participation in the Indonesian GP is also in doubt.
Borja Gomez: "I am very happy to be here in Japan, although obviously, I feel sorry for Celestino and hope he can return soon. From a first reconnaissance, I like the circuit; I am very curious to get out on track."
Mattia Casadei: "I am happy to ride the Japanese GP. It is really great to be here. I thank Fantic for this opportunity. I will enter a new world with great enthusiasm and give my best to achieve the best possible result!"
JAPENESE GP - SCHEDULE
Friday 29 September
09:50 - 10:30 am FP1 Moto2
02:05 - 02:45 pm FP2 Moto2
Saturday 30 September
09:25 - 09:55 am FP3 Moto2
01:45 - 02:00 pm Moto2 Q1
02:10 - 02:25 pm Q2 Moto2
Sunday 1st October
01:15 pm Moto2 Race
