MotoGP: Japanese race put off until October

(GETTY IMAGES)

The aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan has led to next month's round of the MotoGP World Championship being rearranged for 2 October.

The event was originally scheduled for 24 April at the Motegi circuit 90 miles north of Tokyo, but has been postponed following a request from the promoters to the FIM, the sport's governing body.

The revised date for this year's race means it slots into the calendar between the Aragon and Australian Grands Prix. The new MotoGP season is due to get under way at Losail in Qatar this Sunday, when Jorge Lorenzo will begin the defence of his title.