The 2003 Japanese Motorcycle Grand Prix was the first round of the 2003 MotoGP Championship. It took place on the weekend of 4–6 April 2003 at Suzuka. The meeting was overshadowed by the death of

Daijiro Kato was a Japanese people, Japanese Grand Prix motorcycle racing, Grand Prix Motorcycle sport, motorcycle road racing, road racer, the 2001 250cc List of Grand Prix motorcycle racing World Champions by year, world champion, and the 2000 and 2002 Suzu ...

in the MotoGP race, after he crashed at 130R and hit the barrier at high speed in the ensuing Casio Triangle. Since the accident, Suzuka has been removed from the MotoGP calendar, with the Japanese Grand Prix having been moved to Twin Ring Motegi, the previous home of the Pacific Grand Prix.

MotoGP classification

After the Friday timed sessions Norifumi Abe, who was already competing in the event as a wild card entry, was designated as the replacement rider for the injured Marco Melandri.

250 cc classification

125 cc classification

Championship standings after the race (MotoGP)

Below are the standings for the top five riders and constructors after round one has concluded. ;Riders' Championship standings ;Constructors' Championship standings * Note: Only the top five positions are included for both sets of standings.

References

{{MotoGP 2000–09 Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix Motorcycle racing controversies Japanese Motorcycle Grand Prix April 2003 sports events in Japan