So, video gaming interferes with real life sporting activities does it? Not, apparently, if you are a professional MotoGP bike rider called Niccolo Canepa. The Pramac Ducati driver has come a cropper in his preparation for racing in Japan... because his PlayStation won't work in that country.

This kicks his prep into touch apparently.

"The Japanese weekend hasn't started too well", says Nic' "I brought my Playstation to learn the Motegi circuit on the MotoGP game, but unluckily my system is different compared to here and I am not able to play. Therefore I will have to learn all the secrets of the track on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning's free sessions."

What?? We were working under the illusion that (a) you could buy PS3s in Japan (b) professional riders make enough to buy PS3s in Japan (c) professional riders practice their profession by riding and use PS3 games as back-up.

Next up: England and Liverpool footballer Stevie Gerrard blames broken Xbox 360 and consequent non FIFA '09 sessions on inability to recognise how to get from one end of the Emirates Stadium to the other.

^{Sources:
Superbike Planet
VisorDown}