Daijiro Kato was a Japanese Grand Prix motorcycle road racer, the 2001 250cc world champion, and the 2000 and 2002 Suzuka 8 Hours winner. He died as a result of injuries sustained after a crash during the 2003 Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit, Japan.
Kato at the 2003 Japanese Grand Prix
Kato's 2001 Honda NSR250 with Telefónica Movistar livery
Grand Prix motorcycle racing
Grand Prix motorcycle racing is the highest class of motorcycle road racing events held on road circuits sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). Independent motorcycle racing events have been held since the start of the twentieth century and large national events were often given the title Grand Prix. The foundation of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme as the international governing body for motorcycle sport in 1949 provided the opportunity to coordinate rules and regulations in order that selected events could count towards official World Championships. It is the oldest established motorsport world championship.
2021 German motorcycle Grand Prix
Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bike (2006)
Valentino Rossi, riding a Yamaha YZR-M1, at Le Mans
Marc Márquez, riding a Honda RC213V, at Mugello