World Champions out in force for Kato memorial event

The Dedikato event was held for the fourth time last night (Thursday) in Misano as World Champions past and present assembled ahead of the Gran Premio Aperol di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, and as in recent years the occasion was a great success.

Former World Championship stars Kevin Schwantz, Marco Lucchinelli and Randy Mamola along with current riders Bradley Smith, Julian Simon, Aleix Espargaró, Mattia Pasini, Toni Elias, Loris Capirossi, Marco Melandri, Marco Simoncelli, Andrea Dovizioso and Valentino Rossi all congregated on stage as the career and life of Daijiro Kato was once more remembered. Kato’s former Team Manager Fausto Gresini was also present, as was the Clinica Mobile’s Doctor Claudio Costa.

Guest of honour Matteo Marzotto was another guest and was present on behalf of the Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation, which received donations from riders that included helmets, gloves, boots and other memorabilia, all of which will be on sale on eBay from today in order to raise funds.