The 2002 motorcycle grand prix world championships got underway at Suzuka, Japan yesterday and it was a very important event for our engine partner Honda. For the first time in its 53 year history, the blue riband 500cc category has been replaced and renamed MotoGP.

The new rules allow four stroke machinery to compete against the previously all-conquering two strokes. With most road bikes now four strokes this is seen as an important move in increasing the popularity of the sport.

Honda raced its radical new V5 machine for the first time and in rainy conditions, reigning world champion Valentino Rossi took it to a maiden win. Competition looks like being close with four strokes from Suzuki and Yamaha filling the other two podium positions.