Yoko Togashi’s World GP Journey: Tetsuya Harada Vol. 4 | Racing Daijiro Kato and Expectations for the 2026 Suzuka 8 Hours
This is the fourth installment of a column by Yoko Togashi, who was involved in HRC's overseas racing activities from 1986 to 2008, looking back on 1993 250cc World Champion Tetsuya Harada.
Below is a condensed and partially edited version of the article. Please refer to the original text for the complete version.
The Argentina Controversy
Harada joined Aprilia in 1997. The Italian manufacturer highly rated the 1993 World Champion and offered him an exceptional contract. His teammate in 1997 was Loris Capirossi, and in 1998 a young Valentino Rossi joined the team as well.
Expectations were high as many wondered whether Harada could reclaim the world title aboard a foreign manufacturer's machine. However, despite winning three races in 1997 and five in 1998, he finished third in the championship in both seasons.
The 1998 title, though, came painfully close.
Heading into the final round in Argentina, Harada trailed championship leader Capirossi by just four points. While Capirossi was running third, Harada held second place almost all the way to the finish.
Had the positions remained unchanged, Harada would have become World Champion.
Instead, late on the final lap, Capirossi launched an aggressive move up the inside and the two riders collided. Harada crashed.
Rossi won the race, while Capirossi finished second and secured the championship. Harada dropped behind Rossi in the final standings and ended the season third overall.
Immediately after the race, Harada appealed to the FIM, arguing that Capirossi's maneuver had been dangerous and unfair. The protest was rejected.
Under today's regulations, Capirossi would likely have received a penalty, but the rules at the time were far more permissive.
In the aftermath, Harada reportedly told Aprilia that they would have to choose between him and Capirossi for the following season. Aprilia ultimately decided to part ways with the Italian rider.
Incidentally, Harada and Capirossi later reconciled. Today, they are said to be close enough to enjoy family dinners together.
Moving Up to the 500cc Class
Aprilia offered Harada a ten-year contract beginning in 1999. Harada declined and instead chose a three-year deal. His salary was reportedly around ¥400 million per year.
In 1999, Harada entered the 500cc class aboard Aprilia's new two-stroke RSW-2. Although he never won a race, he reached the podium at both the French and British Grands Prix.
The following year proved more difficult. Harada failed to score a single podium and finished 16th in the championship.
As Aprilia shifted its focus toward developing a four-stroke machine, Harada returned to the 250cc class in 2001.
There he fought for the championship against Honda's Daijiro Kato. Kato ultimately claimed the title with 11 victories from 16 races.
"Daijiro Was a Genius"
When asked about Daijiro Kato, his rival during the 2001 season, Harada reflected:
In 2002, Harada moved into the MotoGP class aboard Honda's two-stroke NSR500.
However, with the new four-stroke machines enjoying a significant performance advantage, he completed the season without a single top-ten finish.
Harada retired at the end of 2002. It was not because of a major injury or a dispute with a team. It was simply a decision he made himself.
At the final round in Valencia, Harada informed HRC of his intention to retire. A worsening back problem was one factor, as was his desire to avoid suffering a serious injury later in his career.
When the 2003 Japanese Grand Prix took place, Harada was at home in Monaco.
Watching from afar, he saw Daijiro Kato crash in a MotoGP race that he himself might have contested had he still been active.
Harada prayed for Kato's recovery, but those hopes were not fulfilled. Kato passed away two weeks after the accident.
The 2026 Suzuka 8 Hours
Since 2019, Harada has served as team manager of NCXX Racing with Riders Club in the Suzuka 8 Hours SST class, leading the team to a class victory in 2023.
Regarding his role, Harada said:
In the 2026 Suzuka 8 Hours, Tetsuta Nagashima will ride for Harada's team.
A Moto2 race winner and a two-time Suzuka 8 Hours EWC-class champion, Nagashima is, in my view, similar to Harada in terms of competitive spirit.
Harada commented:
Harada has served as Executive Advisor to Riders Club magazine since 2021 and became Editor-in-Chief in September 2025.
Harada married Miyuki Abe in 1997.
Thirty-three years have now passed since the day Tetsuya Harada became 250cc World Champion.
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Posted Jun 15, 2026, 12:46 PM UTC