Daijiro Kato (1976 - 2003)
2001 World 250cc Champion
1997 Japanese 250cc Champion
"Our deepest condolences are with Daijiro Katos family and
we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of Katos
fans who were so supportive of him"
(PRESIDENT HONDA RACING - Suguru Kanazawa)
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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.
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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
Katos 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 Japans representatives in the
racing world and was recognized as one of the worlds 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 Katos 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 Katos family and we would like to express our
sincere gratitude to all of Katos 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 ...
"
