With Valentino Rossi's victory, Honda reached the magical number of 500 victories in the World Championship. Biaggi trIed to force Rossi of the track who, on the finishing line, greeted him as a form of revenge. �lex Crivill� lost all title options for not running over his team mate Tohru Ukawa.

Three Japanese riders went up on the podium in their home GP. The machines played a key role and Honda demonstrated its superiority. Kato started out with the clear advantage of knowing the circuit down to last detail.
 
Masao Azuma won in a Grand Prix full of accidents and falls. Nobby Ueda (Honda) was leadng when a mistake forced him off the track and utlimately the race. With regards to the Spanish riders, Pablo Nieto finished tenth, followed by his brother Gelete.
 
Relive the best moments from the 2001 World Motorcycling championship >>