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Honda boss doesn't understand that OS took place but Japanese GP didn't

Honda boss doesn't understand that OS took place but Japanese GP didn't

02-10-2021 16:00 Last update: 19:33
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GPblog.com

The Japanese Grand Prix cannot take place this year, neither the Formula 1 nor the MotoGP. Also, the WEC races have been cancelled and there is a lot of criticism from Japan on this. Why is an event the size of the Olympics allowed to take place, but all car racing has been cancelled?

Toyota president Akio Toyoda discussed it at a press conference in late September, calling it "unfair. Toyoda was speaking at the time in his capacity as president of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).

Double standards

Masashi Yamamoto was asked by AS-Web Asked for his opinion on the subject. "Personally, as a fellow motorsport athlete, I was glad that President Akio Toyoda made such a comment. Because why can the Olympics, but motorsports can't I think this is what many people involved in motorsports think. I agree with the comment that racing drivers are also athletes and should be considered athletes from a global perspective."

Honda's motorsport director continued, "I would say the Olympics are the pinnacle of world sport, but not everyone is a professional, whereas in motorsport, whether it's two wheels or four wheels, everyone is a professional. Both drivers and riders belong to the organisation as professionals."

Japan GP

The Japan Grand Prix should have been held on October 10 and according to Yamamoto, it could have been done just fine. "F1 has strict self-imposed rules, and there are many ways to hold events. So I think the Japanese government should have taken advantage of that and organised the Japanese GP", the Japanese concludes.