gresini honda

Japanese MotoGP

• Venue: Motegi, Japan
• Date: 30 September - 2 October
• Saturday 1 October: Qualfiying: 0450-0800, BBC Red Button
• Sunday 2 October: 125 & Moto2: 0350-0605, BBC Red button; MotoGP live: 0630-0800, BBC Two; MotoGP re-run: 1230-1400, BBC Two

Simoncelli has just one podium finish to his name in MotoGP - in Brno in August

MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli has extended his contract to stay with Gresini Honda in 2012.

The 24-year-old has taken two pole positions this season but managed just one podium finish.
The Italian had been linked with a move to another team but has decided to stay on for a third season with Gresini.
He said: "2012 will be an important season for me and I want to give all those people who have believed in this project plenty to get excited about."

MotoGP standings

• Casey Stoner: 284 points
• Jorge Lorenzo: 240
• Andrea Dovizioso: 185
• Dani Pedrosa: 170
• Ben Spies: 146
• Valentino Rossi: 139

Simoncelli has been one of the fastest riders on the grid this season but has been too inconsistent, crashing out of four races.
Team manager Fausto Gresini said: "Over the past two years together we have been able to appreciate Marco's qualities as a rider, as a man and as an extroverted communicator, which made us keen to continue our collaboration.
"Marco's huge determination will give us all a lot of motivation ahead of what promises to be an exciting new season."