"MotoGP officials Paul Butler (Race Director) and Claudio Macchiagodena (Medical Director) offered the following statement regarding the incident involving Japanese rider Daijiro Kato at todayLs SKYY VODKA Grand Prix of Japan at the Suzuka Circuit.

Paul Butler: `We donLt know what caused the crash, but what we all know is that it was in the braking zone approaching the chicane. There are no marks on the track and, as we always do in these cases, we have reviewed the video evidence from the live television feed and the closed circuit cameras but frankly we are none the wiser to what caused this very tragic accident to happen. This accident could have occurred at any circuit in the world. I would like to add that we are all thinking about Kato-san at this time and our sincere thoughts go out to his family, friends and team.L

Claudio Macchiagodena: `The first news we received from the medical team on the track was that KatoLs heart had stopped, and he was unconscious. Only fast action in the ambulance to resuscitate his heart gave him the chance to fight for his life, and when he arrived at the hospital he was in a slightly improved condition. There is no diagnosis in this situation, only the intention to save KatoLs life. The hospital scans confirmed serious injuries to his head, chest and neck. He is now in intensive care fighting for his life."


Wierd that there are no braking marks......
Hope he gets through fine....

 

ouch - that sounds like it is pretty bad.
I hope he recovers and returns to normal life soon.
to motogp racers


[Modified by Redtail, 9:41 AM 4/8/2003]

 

I saw the race Sunday on Speed. When they put him on the stretcher, he seemed totally lifeless . His wife just had a child 2 weeks ago, hopefully he can make a recovery, but the outlook is grim

Brian

 

OH mAN, kato is one of my favorite riders. i didnt get a chance to catch the tragedy. i only watched the latter half of the race. best wishes to him and his family.

 

in another pic Kato is shown on the ground missing one of his boots, definately a hard impact

Brian

 

that sucks

i heard he was paralized from the neck down.

 

it seems like even if he makes it, he will be paralysed for life.....

 

any update on his status?

 

Seems like he is getting better, but dont know whats gonna happen to him after everything is done.

 

Died today

I will miss him

 

doh... rip