REPORTS on social media are claiming a fire has broken out in the pits in the build-up to the Japanese MotoGP round.
Multiple reports from people at the event show smoke billowing out from the rear of the pit buildings, with MotoGP reporter Mat Oxley claiming that the Aprilia and Marc VDS teams are affected.
Oxley also tweeted that the source of the fire was one of the remote engine starters used to crank up the near 300bhp machines. The starters are electrically powered, and it is thought that one of them exploded while it was being charged prior to the weekend’s racing.
Borja González, also on Twitter, has stated that nobody was in the pit garage at the time of the incident. He goes on to claim that staff from other teams are helping to get the situation under control, with Suzuki mechanics apparently clearing out the garages. As far as we can tell no bikes have been damaged.
Joan Mir racing at the Twin Ring Motegi previously
The reported incident has only just taken place, we’ll update this page if any further news comes to light.
