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 Kato’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 Japan’s representatives
in the racing world and was recognized as one of the world’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 Kato’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 Kato’s family and we would like to express
our sincere gratitude to all of Kato’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'S BIOGRAPHY
