MotoGP heads to Japan this weekend

One of the most controversial races we've seen in MotoGP history, the Japanese GP at Motegi Twin Rings - Yamaha's home track - is shaping up to be a very memorable race, as Australian rider Damien Cudlin makes his MotoGP debut on a Pramac Ducati.

Earlier in the year 15 out of 17 riders in the paddock had declared they would not race in Japan due to potential radiation poisoning from a leaking nuclear reactor in Fukushima, which is about 110km away from the Motegi race track.

But Dorna has assured everyone the radiation levels are normal and the race - originally slated for April 24 - will now go ahead.

Championship leader Casey Stoner (Repsol Honda) is fresh from a win in Spain and will be looking to consolidate his lead over Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha Factory), currently standing at 44 points. Stoner won the Motegi race in 2010 and like many of the Japanese factory riders will be hoping to put on a good show for his employers.

Technically speaking Jorge Lorenzo could still win the championship if Stoner had a DNF or two (he won the Japanese GP in 2009) but with the Australian and Malaysian MotoGP rounds coming in quick succession, tracks that Stoner is fond of, the Australian looks likely to seal his second world championship very soon.

If Stoner wins at Motegi, he could seal the championship with a win in front of his home crowd at Phillip Island in Australia - which also happens to take place on his birthday. Nevertheless, it's not over until the fat lady sings and Lorenzo still has plenty to race for.

Yamaha also celebrates its 50th anniversary of GP racing this year and will be putting on plenty of events during the race (includuing showing classic GP bikes - see images) so the company will be keen to have something to crow about on its birthday.

"Japan is a home race for Yamaha and for us it is always a pleasure to ride here. Motegi is a track where I have won before and last year I had a nice fight for the podium. I would like to win again here, so that is my aim this weekend," said Lorenzo.

"After all the confusion with Fukushima we are here, fit and ready to put on a good show for Yamaha in this special year for them. We will begin on Friday and try to do everything really well!"

Currently sitting in third place is Andrea Dovizioso, who has been a very consistent performer this year, sitting 55 points adrift of Lorenzo.

Pedrosa sits in fourth place in the championship and is another real contender for a win in Japan, showing strong form in recent times. Ben Spies (Yamaha Factory) sits in fifth spot behind the Spaniard and said "We're racing in the red and white livery again which always seems to bring me luck."

Though Valentino Rossi was fighting for a podium position this time last year, the Ducati rider is unlikely to challenge for a top three stop this year. The Italian rider and his Italian team will be searching for improvements in performance rather than championship points, as Rossi and his American team mate Nicky Hayden sit in sixth and seventh respectively in the overall standings.

One Italian who may have a chance at a podium finish is Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini), who has managed to string together some strong finishes in the second half of the season and has recently resigned with the San Carlo Honda Gresini factory team - which will no doubt be motivation for fast lap times.

Interestingly, the MotoGP field will be expanded in Japan with two new names -  HRC test riders Kousuke Akiyoshi and Shinichi Itoh both participating in the Grand Prix of Japan.

Furthermore, Loris Capirossi's injury will see Australian Damian Cudlin ride the Pramac Racing Ducati bike. "It's hard to put into words what this opportunity means to me," said Cudlin. "I've dreamed about starting in MotoGP since I was a boy, and until now it's been just that -- a dream. Now it's become a reality and to be honest, I'm still in shock!"