Kato's team to race on after accident
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Even though the rider Daijiro Kato is in a coma after crashing during the first race of the MotoGP championship in Japan, his Telefonica Honda team still plans to compete in the second round in South Africa.
Kato, who has been in hospital since Sunday, suffered serious head, neck and chest injuries in the crash at Suzuka and his heart had to be restarted as he lay on the circuit. His heartbeat and blood pressure have now become stable, but he is in a critical condition and his brain pressure is still high.
The Telefonica team manager Fausto Gresini, after speaking with his other rider, Sete Gibernau, and team staff, has now decided to take part in the second GP of the season at Welkom on 27 April.
"This is a very difficult moment for the whole team," Gibernau said. "I know Dai very well, because we spent lots of time together last winter and I am sure that, if only he could tell us something, he would tell us to go and race at Welkom and to do our best."
Gresini, who has been at Kato's bedside since Sunday, said: "We all keep on praying for Daijiro, it is the only thing we can do now. There is nothing we can say, just wait and see what happens."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments