Kato in serious condition

Daijiro Kato is in a coma and fighting for his life after a horrific crash in the MotoGP race in Suzuka on Sunday.

GP medic Dr Claudio Costa said Kato had a ” 15 per cent chance ” of pulling through when MCN spoke to him on Sunday.

Even if Kato does regain consciousness, Dr Costa believes the former world 250cc champion would be paralysed from the nose down, and would not be able to breath without a ventilator for the rest of his life.

The 26-year-old Japanese rider suffered massive head, neck and chest injuries when he lost control of his Honda RCV at the end of lap three at Suzuka.

As the race continued, marshals and medics rushed to his aid. Doctors confirmed he was found in a comatose state and his heart had stopped beating. He was placed on a stretcher and taken to a trackside ambulance, where they started heart massage.

After emergency treatment at the circuit’s medical centre, Kato was airlifted to the Mie General Medical Centre in Yokkiachi. He was immediately put on a life support machine where friends and family are still holding a bedside vigil.

” Kato remains in a coma and he is fighting for his life. It is very difficult to talk about the future, but the initial 24 to 48 hours are going to be critical, ” said Claudio Macchiagodena, of the Clinica Mobile

Race Director Paul Butler said, ” The accident occurred on the approach to the chicane in the braking zone. There were no marks on the track that indicated what could have caused the crash. We have reviewed all video evidence and frankly we are none the wiser. ”

We’ll continue to bring you the latest updates on Kato’s condition throughout the day. Post your messages of support on the MotoGP message board by following the link on the right.