Ukawa releases statement on Kato

The Camel Pramac Pons team have issued a statement to the press on behalf of rider Tohru Ukawa, which mysteriously retracts his earlier statements about the crash which seriously injured Daijiro Kato.

” As you all know, Kato had an accident in Suzuka. He is trying his best to stay alive, and to recover. I know you have many questions regarding the accident. I do not feel comfortable making any comments on this topic at the moment, because the only thing I can do, and the most appropriate thing to do right now is to pray he regains consciousness without any complications.

” In Suzuka, I said that it looked like Kato and someone else had come into contact. I said this because it appeared to be so from my eyes. But I do not know for sure if they had actually come into contact. It was such an imprudent thing to say and I would like to apologise to everyone involved with this matter. ”

Kato remains in a coma, and the latest news is that his blood pressure has become stable. Both the Honda Racing Corporation and the Japanese Police have been investigating the reason for the accident, but in a statement released by HRC, they admit the cause is not yet known.

Honda representatives have also examined the video records generated by the Suzuka Circuit’s on-site surveillance cameras, but the video evidence is not sufficient to determine the cause of the accident.

HRC has examined the motorcycle and analyzed the available data regarding its operation, but found no irregularities. Based on the currently available information, we have not been able to determine the cause of the accident. ”

Kato’s team boss, Fausto Grezini, flew back from Kato’s bedside to the team’s base in Italy on Thursday, April 10.

” I feel empty ” , commented Gresini, ” I know I will soon have to face other subjects, like his accident and the future of the team in the championship, but at this stage I really don’t feel like it. I still feel deeply shocked. I will spend some days together with my family and try to find some peace of mind, then I will try to face reality. ”

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