Gresini remembers Daijiro Kato

Gresini Racing has released the following statement, marking the tenth anniversary of former 250cc world champion's Daijiro Kato's death, following an accident in the 2003 Japanese MotoGP at Suzuka.

'It is ten years ago to the day that the world lost the smile of Daijiro Kato. Ten years without the number 74, a number that remains imprinted on the hearts of everybody in the team and of Fausto Gresini.

'Daijiro was a true champion who delighted his thousands of fans around the world with his incredible riding and winning spirit. Today the number 74 will be visible on all of the Gresini bikes in Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP in tribute to a great champion.

'Fausto Gresini: "The 20th April is a very sad day for us because it marks exactly ten years since we lost Daijiro Kato in a tragic accident in Japan.

"Today we want to remember him as we knew him, with that smile that met each of his Grand Prix wins and lit up his face on so many occasions away from the track. His simplicity, combined with his inspired commitment, were two extraordinary facets of his character.

"Today we will have the number 74 on all of our bikes - a fitting tribute to a great champion who will always remain in our hearts and who we want to be remembered forever."'

Read more about Kato's career by Clicking Here