Red Bull have denied reports that they have shipped out enough meals for their 80-trackside staff to last them the full weekend, in order to avoid eating possibly-contaminated food following the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
The report, which surfaced in the German media, was hot news among the Japanese racing community with many suggesting it sent out the wrong signals because the contaminated food, which is only found in the nearby vicinity of the nuclear site, is extremely unlikely to find its way into the food chain.
The company said it was normal for certain items to be imported, but the majority of the food is locally grown or reared.
“Red Bull Racing will be using its own catering operation in Japan, as it does for all 19 Grands Prix,” said a statement. “For each race, Red Bull Racing uses both local and international produce and this race will be no different.
“Red Bull Racing has worked with local Japanese suppliers, such as big retailers, supermarkets and bakeries, in order to obtain good, local produce, which we will serve throughout the weekend. These same local suppliers will also provide produce from overseas, such as high-quality meat from Australia, which is the same as in previous years. All produce for this weekend has been certified as clean.”
Red Bull also denied that team principal Christian Horner, had ordered his staff to avoid or at best limit eating out, adding that several members of staff, including Sebastian Vettel, who flew in early on Tuesday, had already eaten the local food.
“Rumours that we will not use produce from Japan during this Grand Prix and that we have told staff not to eat out during their stay are incorrect. Sebastian has been in Tokyo since Tuesday morning and many of the team will spend recreational time in Japan after the race.
“The Japanese Grand Prix remains a highlight of the season and one of the reasons for this is the incredible support and enthusiasm we get from the Japanese fans. We’re looking forward to an exciting grand prix this weekend.”
This comes on the back of news that several MotoGP riders took precautions to avoid coming into contact with radiation.
Current champion Jorge Lorenzo said he used bottled water to wash himself to avoid tap water which may have been contaminated, whilst Casey Stoner flew in late to limit his time in the country.
