MotoGP Blog

Back in January 2002, Kawasaki took the decision to enter MotoGP with a 990cc bike. A return to the top class after an absence of more than 20 years. Just a few short months later, Kawasaki entered the bike as a wildcard to the last four races of the season. It had a very angular, futuristic look to it and gave the impression it contained new and fresh thinking.

The first of the four races was Motegi. A rider by the name of Akira Yanagawa was chosen by Kawasaki for the honour of riding the bike, recently retired from WSB. He qualified it in 18th place on a 1′51.234. A certain Loris Capirossi took pole that day on a 1′49.169.

Under race conditions the bike looked alive, and not in a good way. Bucking and dancing on the brakes, Yanagawa fought it tooth and nail until finally crashing out after 6 laps when the engine siezed. Yanagawa broke his pelvis in the crash and did not ride the bike in competition again. This sad tale was given a happy ending today at Motegi when Yanagawa, again entered as a wild card for Kawasaki, brought his 800cc machine home in 17th place, pulling a huge wheelie over the line.

This topped off a great day for Kawasaki, with their first podium, West leading the race for a while and Yanagawa finally completing a race in the top class.