Akira Ryo took the All Japan Superbike championship in 2001 after finishing runner-up in 1996 and third in 1999. He had entered the Japan round as a 500cc wild card for Suzuki in 2000 and 2001, and became the main development rider for the manufacturer\'s GSV-R MotoGP bike, entering seven rounds in 2002 and two in 2003. He nearly caused a major upset at the 2002 Japanese Grand Prix when he led for much of the race, finally finishing second to Valentino Rossi.