From a press release issued by Telefonica Movistar Honda/Gresini Racing:

MISANO REMEMBERS DAIJIRO KATO


The Misano community and the Gresini racing chose the new alley that brings to the new entrance of the Misano Circuit to remember the young Japanese champion that lived in Porto Verde (Misano) during the racing seasons near the Gresini racing Department.

The cerimony started at 10.00 when the major of Misano, Sandro Tiraferri, Fausto Gresini and Kato’s father cut the ribbon and unveiled the name of the street.

Then they planted a cherry tree that Takashi Kato had directly brought from Japan, as a symbol of the tight relation between Misano, its community and Suzuka.

Motosprint remembered and honoured the 250cc Champion giving the prestigious prize “casco d’oro” to Kato’s father.

The world of motorsport was represented by Colin Edwards, the American rider that is racing for Gresini Racing starting from this season, Max Biaggi and Tamada. Unfortunately Sete Gibernau couldn’t attend the ceremony because of commitments taken with the sponsor during these days but he sent a message to express his desire to be with Daijiro’s family for this so important event.

Colin Edwards : “I met and raced with Daijiro in occasion of the 8 hours of Suzuka. I have a very good memory of Daijiro as a rider and as a person. Unfortunately after this tragic event it’s hard for his family to move on, this ceremony has a very special meaning to commemorate the Japanese Rider, a Champion and a friend.

Max Biaggi: “I really wanted to be here this morning because it’s a very special moment that I want to honour and commemorate, I’m here as a sport fan more than a rider. ”

Makoto Tamada, rider and close friend of Daijiro also attented the cerimony.

The Honda manufacturer attended too with Mr Negishi, President of Honda Italia, Mr. Tachikawa, HRC Team Manager, Mr. Irie, General Manager HRC for Europe, Mr Koinuma, Responsible of FPS Project and Carlo Fiorani, HRC Sport Manager.

Fausto Gresini thanked the Misano administration for the possibility of organizing this event and the Kato’s family for attending the cerimony.

Takashi Kato thanked the Misano Community by giving as a present a honda scooter with the number 74, a number that we won’t see on track anymore.



More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:

Daijiro Kato Commemorated by Community of Misano

The community of the Adriatic town Misano, and the Gresini Racing Team chose the new road that leads to the entrance of the Misano Circuit as the street to bear the name of the late Daijiro Kato. The Japanese rider, 250cc World Champion in 2001, was a resident of Porto Verdi (Misano), close to the Gresini Racing department, while racing in Europe.

The commemoration ceremony began at 10.00 with the Mayor of Misano, Sandro Tiraferri, Fausto Gresini and Kato’s father, Takashi, cutting the ribbon to unveil the nameplate of the new street. The three men then planted a cherry tree that Takashi Kato had brought from Japan as a symbol of the firm relationship between Misano, its community and Suzuka.

Motosprint, Italy’s leading motorcycle magazine, remembered and honoured the 250cc World Champion presenting Kato’s father with the prestigious “Casco d’Oro” award.

The world of motorsport was represented at the ceremony by many of Kato’s team members, friends, and former rivals. Colin Edwards, the American rider who joined Gresini Racing for the 2004 season, Max Biaggi, and Kato’s close friend Makoto Tamada, attended. Sete Gibernau, Kato’s teammate was unable to be at the ceremony but sent a message to the family in attendance.

Colin Edwards: “I met and raced with Daijiro on occasions at the Suzuka 8 hours. I have a very good memory of Daijiro as a rider and as a person. Unfortunately after this tragic event it’s hard for his family to move on, this ceremony has a very special meaning to commemorate the Japanese Rider, a Champion and a friend.

Max Biaggi: “I really wanted to be here this morning because it’s a very special moment that I want to honour and commemorate, I’m here as a sport fan more than a rider.”

Honda Motor Co were represented by Mr. Negishi, President of Honda Italia, Mr. Tachikawa, HRC Team Manager, Mr. Irie, General Manager HRC Europe, Mr. Koinuma, Responsible for FPS Project and Carlo Fiorani, HRC Sport Manager.

Fausto Gresini thanked the Misano administration for the possibility of organizing this event and the Kato’s family for attending the ceremony. Takashi Kato thanked the Misano Community with the gift of a Honda scooter bearing Kato’s racing number 74, a number that has been permanently retired from grand prix racing.