Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Daijiro Kato’s condition has improved slightly, according to reports coming out of Japan Tuesday, but the Telefonica Movistar Honda rider is still in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit of the Mie Medical Center in Yokkaaichi, Japan.

Racer Makoto Tamada, one of many friends and family members keeping a bedside vigil over Kato, told reporters that Kato’s heart rate had improved and that his blood pressure has gone up during the critical first 48 hours, but Kato is still not out of danger.

Doctors, meanwhile, have not released any official statement on Kato’s condition, which was previously reported as severe head, neck and chest trauma – the result of a 120-mph impact with a wall near the Suzuka Circuit’s Casio Triangle chicane on the third lap of the Japanese Grand Prix.

The cause of Kato’s crash is still unknown.