Events / Editor / 19 August 2007 / Leave a comment

The Far East will take centre stage for the motorbike fans and betting punters on September 23, when the MotoGP Japan race takes place in Motegi.

The road circuit became home to MotoGP back in 2000 and has been strongly associated with Honda, who built the track as a test facility in 1997.

Punters considering a bet should note that Japan has been a successful race for Italian riders in recent years, with victories in four of the last five races.

Loris Capirossi has topped the winner's podium in the last two years and the Ducati rider could be available at tempting odds, after enduring a disappointing season to date.

Seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi is always a popular option in the MotoGP betting markets and 'The Doctor' has good memories of the Japan race. He was a winner in 2002 and 2003 and has finished second on two other occasions, which is expected to have an impact on the betting.

The riders championship looks as though it will be heading to Australia, with Casey Stoner holding a healthy advantage. Those customers thinking of having a bet on the 21-year-old should take into account that Stoner was forced out of last year's MotoGP Japan race after 12 laps.

The home fans enjoyed a Japanese success in 2004 when Makoto Tamada triumphed on a Honda and, despite changing teams to Yahama and suffering a poor campaign, some punters will be tempted to have a bet on the home favourite.

Ducati currently lead the constructors championship but with their links to the Motegi track, Honda could attract plenty of interest in the betting markets.