Three world champions held Italian and Dainese honour high in Japan. The talent and experience of Rossi, Biaggi and Poggiali left little room to anyone else that day in blazing duels through the curves of the world-famous track.
The big surprise was the brilliant performance turned in by Manuel Poggiali who came up from behind to win the 250 Class over the local wild cards who all know the circuit better than the insides of their own pockets.
The race was a "near goal" for Pedrosa, one of the most recent additions to the Dainese pilot family, who after a lightning-quick start that placed him long in the lead had to slow down because of mechanical problems.
Virtually unbeatable in Grand Prix racing, Rossi and Biaggi came in first and second respectively thanks to extraordinarily efficient riding and perfectly tuned-up vehicles.
Daijiro Kato's unfortunate accident placed the celebration of the result out of the question, as motorcycle fans the world over can only hope for the Japanese star's recovery and pray that his undying warrior spirit will carry him safely through the difficulty.