Tributes in video: a little tour with Daijiro Kato

Japanese motorcycle rider Daijiro Kato passed away ten years ago and there is no shortage of tributes on the web. Site has selected four videos for you, including one on board the champion on his NSR250, in 2001 in Suzuka.

Daijiro Kato, already 10 years old…

Daijiro Kato was a hell of a man … Born July 4, 1976 in Japan, he competed in his very first Grand Prix at Suzuka in 1996, as a guest driver, and finished third in the race. The following year, a second wild card earned him his first GP victory, and the guy doubled the bet in a third invitation in 1998 !

Daijiro’s succession

In 2003, Daijiro Kato had mounted a mini bike coupe to allow his very young compatriots to discover the joys of motorcycling on the circuit. Ten years later, it still exists. Among its participants is perhaps a future MotoGP champion … The first of Japanese nationality ?

250 Japanese champion in 1997 (and vice-champion in 1996 and 1999), Kato brilliantly launched his international career in 2000: riding his NSR, he finished third in the GP250 world championship just behind the "Yamaha Tech3 boys. ", Olivier Jacque and Shinya Nakano, and wins the rookie of the year award.

He began the following season with a magnificent – fourth! – victory in Japan, turning one second per lap faster than its pursuers. The on-board video (see the first video on the next page) perfectly illustrates the level of mastery of the Japanese jockey (1.62 m for 51 kg!) On "his" Suzuka track..

Still at the helm of the Honda prepared by the Gresini team, "Dai-chan" in 2001 won no less than eleven victories in 16 races, breaking the record for Mike Hailwood himself. With the world title in his pocket, he then climbed to the premier class where he once again demonstrated his talent..

Honda’s great hope, the n ° 74 was rewarded for its good results on the NSR 500 by benefiting, from mid-season 2002, to a brand new RCV. Grateful Daijiro leads his 4-stroke Honda to second step of the podium in Brno and pole position in Motegi.

He finally ranks 7th in the championship, a few points behind the late Norick Abe (see the second video on the next page, dating from 1990). For Daijiro Kato, the 2003 season was to be one of all exploits: he aimed for the world crown – Valentino Rossi himself named him among the favorites – a crown that no Japanese rider has ever worn in GP500 / MotoGP (see the third video on next page, from the film Faster)…

Unfortunately the victim of a violent off-track excursion on April 6, 2003 on his hitherto favorite Suzuka circuit – he won the 8 Hours of endurance race twice there – Daijiro lost his fight against death for two weeks. later (read).

"April 20 is a very sad day for us", Fausto Gresini testified on Saturday,"because it marks exactly ten years since the disappearance of Daijiro Kato after his tragic accident in Japan. We want to remember him as we have known him, with that smile that accompanied each of his Grand Prix victories and lit his face so many times off the track.".

"Her simplicity, combined with her inspired commitment, were two extraordinary facets of her character.", recalls his former team manager."Today, we mark the n ° 74 on all of our motorcycles as a tribute to a great champion, who will always remain in our hearts and whom we will remember forever".

Finally, to the attention of "Japanese-speaking" MNC readers and die-hard fans of this damn fellow – whose favorite pastime was "nap", reports its official site! -, Site offers a fourth video on the following page: a documentary which traces the last turns of the wheel of Daijiro Kato.

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