The Japanese Grand Prix was postponed until October by MotoGP organizers yesterday as the nation deals with the combined effects of an earthquake, tsunami and radiation leaks from nuclear plants.

The race will still be staged at the Motegi circuit, 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of Tokyo.

"Due to the disasters that have hit Japan in the last few days and a consequent request from the organizer, the Japanese Grand Prix, at the circuit of Twin Ring Motegi, originally scheduled on 24 April, has been postponed to 2 October 2011," the International Motorcycling Federation said in a statement.

The race was also postponed last year until October because of air travel disruption caused by the eruption of a volcano in Iceland.