Daijiro Kato (1976 - 2003)
2001 World 250cc Champion
1997 Japanese 250cc Champion
"Our deepest condolences are with Daijiro KatoÂ’s family and
we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of KatoÂ’s fans who were so supportive of him"
(PRESIDENT HONDA RACING - Suguru Kanazawa)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daijiro Kato was critically injured during the season opening round at Suzuka (April 6). His crash on lap 3 completely destroyed his bike and left him unconscious. He was in coma under observation for 2 weeks but never recovered. He died in a Tokyo hospital (Yokaichi Central) just after midnight, April 20, 2003.
The 26 year old Japanese Honda rider won the world 250cc champion in 2001 and made his MotoGP debut last year. He was regarded as the most talented Japanese rider of his generation and a potential future world MotoGP champion.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT FROM HONDA: " ... During the first race of the 2003 MotoGP Series held at Suzuka Circuit in Japan, Daijiro Kato crashed into the crash barrier on the left side of the track just before the chicane. Kato fell into a coma and had been receiving medical attention for the past two weeks, following the accident. At 00:42am on April 20th, Daijiro Kato passed away at the young age of 26. The cause of death was brainstem infection .. "
QUOTE MAX BIAGGI: " ... I feel a great sadness, it is a hard blow for the whole world of sport ...Even though his condition was so serious and there was little hope, news like this is like a punch in the stomach, you never wanted to hear it. I am so sorry for him and his family ... "
QUOTE ANGEL NIETO: " ... He was, easily, the best Japanese rider I have seen in my life. He was on his way to becoming a superstar and he could have been the first Japanese MotoGP World Champion ...Technically he was very good, his control of the bike was almost perfect. He was a real talent. As I say, he was going to be a real star. The death of Kato is a real shame for the motorcycling world. We will miss his quality and flair ..."
QUOTE GRAZIANO ROSSI (V ROSSI'S FATHER): " ... I have spoken with Valentino and he told me that at this time the pain is so strong that it is useless trying to find words to describe it ... "
QUOTE VALENTINO ROSSI: " ... I said after the race at Suzuka that nothing was really important after hearing the news of Kato. I was shocked then and am greatly saddened now. Our thoughts are with KatoÂ’s family and friends and we can only hope that the whole GP world learns something from this very bad situation and acts on it ... "
QUOTE HONDA GRESINI TEAM: " ..the whole team are close to his family in their time of grief ... The team manager Fausto Gresini and several members of his staff will be flying to Japan for Kato's funeral ... "
QUOTE F GRESINI:"... There is very little to say. Myself and the team are on our way to Japan to say our final goodbye to Daijiro. He has died after 13 days of deep coma. I don´t know what to say. I am destroyed ... "
QUOTE PRESIDENT HONDA RACING (Suguru Kanazawa): " It was with a tremendous sense of grief that I learned of the tragic passing away of Daijiro Kato. He was one of JapanÂ’s representatives in the racing world and was recognized as one of the worldÂ’s top riders. Kato secured the 250cc Class Championship in 2001 and last year moved to the MotoGP class where he held a world ranking of #7. His performance provided all of his fans with a dream. My heartfelt prayers are with him ... Everyone, including Daijiro KatoÂ’s fans, have been praying for as quick a recovery as possible and it is truly heartbreaking that he has left us. Our deepest condolences are with Daijiro KatoÂ’s family and we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of KatoÂ’s fans who were so supportive of him ... "
QUOTE SETE GIBERNAU (Kato's team-mate after winning the next GP in South Africa):
Daijiro is someone we will carry in our hearts for all our lives .
" ... There have been two sides to this weekend (April 26-27, S African GP, Welkom). One is dealing with the tragedy in Suzuka, where everybody, myself the team and the sport in general has been suffering. The other side is the sheer wave of support from sponsors, supporters and the team that made this weekend bearable. Motorcycling and Motorcycle racing is the winner today. All the riders, not only myself, have made the best tribute we can give to Daijiro Kato. I have to thank my family and the team, from the first person to the last. I am happy to win for them and Daijiro is someone we will carry in our hearts for all our lives ... "
Daijiro Kato
(1976 - 2003) Japan
WORLD 250cc MOTORCYCLE CHAMPION
4 July 1976 date of birth, Japan
1985 wins Japanese pocket-bike championship; age 9
1988 wins Japanese mini-bike championship; age 12
1989 wins Japanese mini-bike championship; age 13
1990 wins Japanese mini-bike championship; age 14
1991 wins Japanese mini-bike championship; age 15
1992 moved up to road racing championship
1994 Japanese 250cc championship
finished championship runner-up
wildcard ride in world 250cc GP (Japanese GP Suzuka); finish 3rd
1996 Japanese 250cc championship
championship runner-up
wildcard ride in world 250cc GP (Japanese GP Suzuka); finish 3rd
1997 wins Japanese 250cc championship; Honda
wins world 250cc GP in Japan as a wildcard rider
1998 Japanese 250cc championship
finish 8th overall
wins world 250cc GP in Japan as a wildcard rider
1999 Japanese 250cc championship
championship runner-up
2000 world 250cc GP full season; Honda
4 wins; finish 3rd overall
wins SUZUKA 8 HOUR with Tohru Ukawa; Honda
2001 wins world 250cc championship; Honda NSR250
record 11 wins
highest ever points total in 250cc class
2002 MotoGP debut, Honda NSR500 2 stroke
Rookie of the year
wins SUZUKA 8 HOUR with Colin Edwards; Honda VTR1000SPW
2003 MotoGP, Honda RC211V, 4 stroke
** killed after an accident during the opening round at Suzuka **
really ar? i'm not in touch in motogp news.. someone let me know?
