2003 Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix
The 2003 Japanese Motorcycle Grand Prix was the first round of the 2003 MotoGP Championship. It took place on the weekend of 4–6 April 2003 at Suzuka. The meeting was overshadowed by the death of Daijiro Kato in the MotoGP race, after he crashed at 130R and hit the barrier at high speed in the ensuing Casio Triangle. Since the accident, Suzuka has failed to reappear on the calendar, with the Japanese Grand Prix moving to Twin Ring Motegi, the previous home of the Pacific Grand Prix. MotoGP classification. After the Friday timed sessions Norifumi  Abe, who was already competing in the event as a wild card entry, was designated as the replacement rider for the injured Marco Melandri. Championship standings after the race (motoGP). Below are the standings for the top five riders and constructors after round one has concluded.