Concern for Kato.

As news of Daijiro Kato's serious condition filtered through to the MotoGP riders, the previous celebratory mood following the season opening Japanese Grand Prix has turned to one of deep concern.

The former 250cc World Champion was flown to hospital after crashing his Honda at high speed on the straight between the 130R corner and the chicane, on lap three.

It is still not clear exactly what happened - or why - but Kato appears to have veered into the metal Armco to his left, before (or at the start of) the braking area for the chicane.

The #74 factory Honda was totally destroyed in the accident and Kato ended up in the middle of the track, unconsious, at the end of the straight.

The latest news on his condition is that he has serious head, neck and chest injuries and is in a coma. His heartbeat is belived to have been restarted by Doctors at the circuit and he is now in intensive care at a nearby Hospital.

"The victory means nothing at the moment and all our thoughts are with Kato-san," said race winner Valentino Rossi, who yesterday branded the circuit dangerous.

Countryman Loris Capirossi echoed Rossi's views after taking a podium finish for Ducati: "With Kato getting hurt, this doesn't feel like a great day to me," he said.

Sete Gibernau was clearly shocked at the news of his team-mates condition and made clear that he feels things should change - immediately.

"What can I say. I think I don't have to explain my feelings - this is a tragedy," said Sete. "We are all involved in this and we will have to sit own and analyse the situation. When I say all of us I mean us the riders, Dorna, IRTA and the FIM. It's not a big complaint to anybody.

"During many years they have been working to make bikes quicker and to professionalise to the maximum this sport, in all senses," added the Spaniard. "We all want to make things better but we have got to the point where the sport has to reassess some of the older tracks. We are all good people and all of us are involved in this."

"Our own problems (in the race) seem pretty small when compared to what happened to Daijiro Kato," reflected Fortuna Yamaha Team Director Davide Brivio. "I am not aware of the extent of his injuries, but our thoughts and prayers are with him, his team and family."

Brivio, whose rider Marco Melandri broke his leg in two places on Friday urged people not to criticise the circuit until the facts are known. Many riders are pointing out that there have been too many injuries this weekend and that some barriers are far too close to the race track and/or aren't protected.

There has also been criticism of the decision not to red flag the race and the rushed manner in which Kato appeared to be retrieved, by the marshals, from the track and stretchered away.

"This has not been a good weekend for injuries, but it would be too easy to criticise anybody now until we have looked back at all the evidence over the weekend," stated the Italian.

"I am very worried about the condition of Kato, who we hope makes a swift recovery," said Team Owner and former racer Sito Pons, summing up the thoughts of many.