Difference between revisions of "Ukyo Katayama"
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Born in Tokyo, Katayama first raced in Europe in 1986 in France before making his [[Alternate International Formula 3000|Formula 3000]] debut in [[1990 Alternate International F3000 season|1990]]. His first season in europe, driving for Madgewick International, saw many ups and downs, with impressive podium finishes, but many retirements, as well. | Born in Tokyo, Katayama first raced in Europe in 1986 in France before making his [[Alternate International Formula 3000|Formula 3000]] debut in [[1990 Alternate International F3000 season|1990]]. His first season in europe, driving for Madgewick International, saw many ups and downs, with impressive podium finishes, but many retirements, as well. | ||
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'''1991: Pacific Stint''' | '''1991: Pacific Stint''' | ||
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The following year, in [[1991 Alternate International F3000 season|1991]], Katayama would move to Pacific Racing, one of the top teams in the series. | The following year, in [[1991 Alternate International F3000 season|1991]], Katayama would move to Pacific Racing, one of the top teams in the series. | ||
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'''1992: The busiest man in motorsports''' | '''1992: The busiest man in motorsports''' | ||
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After failing to achieve his goal of getting an F1 seat, Katayama returned to Japan, where he would sign with All-Japan F3000 front runners Heroes Racing, which was sponsored by Cabin, a brand from Japan Tobacco, Katayama's main backers. In an incredibly competitive field featuring the likes of Eddie Irvine, Aguri Suzuki, Teammate Takuya Kurosawa, Roland Ratzenberger, Ross Cheever, Toshio Suzuki, Tom Kristensen and Stefano Modena, among others, Katayama overcame the odds and would win the 1992 All Japan Title with 2 races to spare. | After failing to achieve his goal of getting an F1 seat, Katayama returned to Japan, where he would sign with All-Japan F3000 front runners Heroes Racing, which was sponsored by Cabin, a brand from Japan Tobacco, Katayama's main backers. In an incredibly competitive field featuring the likes of Eddie Irvine, Aguri Suzuki, Teammate Takuya Kurosawa, Roland Ratzenberger, Ross Cheever, Toshio Suzuki, Tom Kristensen and Stefano Modena, among others, Katayama overcame the odds and would win the 1992 All Japan Title with 2 races to spare. | ||
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'''WTCM and WSC Stint''' | '''WTCM and WSC Stint''' | ||
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At the same time, Through his connections with Japan Tobacco, Katayama managed to sign for TOM's, who were sponsored by company brand Mild Seven, to compete in toyota machinery in both The [[1992 World Touring Car Masters season|World Touring Car Masters]] and the World Sportscar Championship. Showing an impeccable ease behind the wheel of a touring car for a newcomer, Katayama would stun the WTCM field in the round of japan at okayama, bringing his Toyota Carina to an extremely impressive runner-up finish in the feature race and a 6th place finish in the sprint race, to the joy of the local fans. | At the same time, Through his connections with Japan Tobacco, Katayama managed to sign for TOM's, who were sponsored by company brand Mild Seven, to compete in toyota machinery in both The [[1992 World Touring Car Masters season|World Touring Car Masters]] and the World Sportscar Championship. Showing an impeccable ease behind the wheel of a touring car for a newcomer, Katayama would stun the WTCM field in the round of japan at okayama, bringing his Toyota Carina to an extremely impressive runner-up finish in the feature race and a 6th place finish in the sprint race, to the joy of the local fans. | ||
In the WSC, Katayama, teaming up with australian David Brabham in the second toyota, Would also impress, finihing 2nd in the Suzuka 1000KM and achieve a respectable 5th place in his first attempt at Le Mans. It was at the spa-Francorchamps race in WTCM, though, that he would receive the oppprtunity of a lifetime: An offer by March to drive for them in the Japanese Grand Prix in October. Katayama accepted, finally achieving his dream of making it to F1. | In the WSC, Katayama, teaming up with australian David Brabham in the second toyota, Would also impress, finihing 2nd in the Suzuka 1000KM and achieve a respectable 5th place in his first attempt at Le Mans. It was at the spa-Francorchamps race in WTCM, though, that he would receive the oppprtunity of a lifetime: An offer by March to drive for them in the Japanese Grand Prix in October. Katayama accepted, finally achieving his dream of making it to F1. | ||
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'''Formula 1: 1992-''' | '''Formula 1: 1992-''' | ||
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Katayama made his debut at the Japanese Grand Prix, driving for the dying Leyton House March team as a one-off. Unfortunately for Ukyo, the March lacked considerable pace, and he would qualify at the back of the grid. However, due to attrition and a solid drive, Katayama managed to cross the line as the 13th and last finisher of the Grand Prix. | Katayama made his debut at the Japanese Grand Prix, driving for the dying Leyton House March team as a one-off. Unfortunately for Ukyo, the March lacked considerable pace, and he would qualify at the back of the grid. However, due to attrition and a solid drive, Katayama managed to cross the line as the 13th and last finisher of the Grand Prix. | ||
Revision as of 14:58, 9 August 2021
Ukyo Katayama (born 29 May 1963) is a Japanese racing driver.
Born in Tokyo, Katayama first raced in Europe in 1986 in France before making his Formula 3000 debut in 1990. His first season in europe, driving for Madgewick International, saw many ups and downs, with impressive podium finishes, but many retirements, as well.
1991: Pacific Stint
_______________________________
The following year, in 1991, Katayama would move to Pacific Racing, one of the top teams in the series.
1992: The busiest man in motorsports
____________________________________________________
After failing to achieve his goal of getting an F1 seat, Katayama returned to Japan, where he would sign with All-Japan F3000 front runners Heroes Racing, which was sponsored by Cabin, a brand from Japan Tobacco, Katayama's main backers. In an incredibly competitive field featuring the likes of Eddie Irvine, Aguri Suzuki, Teammate Takuya Kurosawa, Roland Ratzenberger, Ross Cheever, Toshio Suzuki, Tom Kristensen and Stefano Modena, among others, Katayama overcame the odds and would win the 1992 All Japan Title with 2 races to spare.
WTCM and WSC Stint
_____________________________________
At the same time, Through his connections with Japan Tobacco, Katayama managed to sign for TOM's, who were sponsored by company brand Mild Seven, to compete in toyota machinery in both The World Touring Car Masters and the World Sportscar Championship. Showing an impeccable ease behind the wheel of a touring car for a newcomer, Katayama would stun the WTCM field in the round of japan at okayama, bringing his Toyota Carina to an extremely impressive runner-up finish in the feature race and a 6th place finish in the sprint race, to the joy of the local fans.
In the WSC, Katayama, teaming up with australian David Brabham in the second toyota, Would also impress, finihing 2nd in the Suzuka 1000KM and achieve a respectable 5th place in his first attempt at Le Mans. It was at the spa-Francorchamps race in WTCM, though, that he would receive the oppprtunity of a lifetime: An offer by March to drive for them in the Japanese Grand Prix in October. Katayama accepted, finally achieving his dream of making it to F1.
Formula 1: 1992-
__________________________________________
Katayama made his debut at the Japanese Grand Prix, driving for the dying Leyton House March team as a one-off. Unfortunately for Ukyo, the March lacked considerable pace, and he would qualify at the back of the grid. However, due to attrition and a solid drive, Katayama managed to cross the line as the 13th and last finisher of the Grand Prix.
