Makoto Tamada

Makoto Tamada
Makoto Tamada 2006
Nationality	Japanese
Born	(1976-11-04) November 4, 1976 (age 40) Ehime Prefecture, Japan
Website	tamayangp.com
Motorcycle racing career statistics Grand Prix motorcycle racing Active years 1998, 2003–2007 First race 1998 250cc Japanese Grand Prix Last race 2007 MotoGP Valencian Grand Prix First win 2004 MotoGP Rio de Janeiro Grand Prix Last win 2004 MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix Team(s) Honda, Yamaha Championships 0 Starts Wins Podiums Poles F. laps Points 82 2 5 3 2 462 Superbike World Championship Active years 1999–2002, 2008–2011 Manufacturers Honda, Kawasaki, BMW 2011 championship position NC (0 pts) Starts Wins Podiums Poles F. laps Points 51 3 4 1 3 169

Makoto Tamada (玉田誠^?) (born November 4, 1976 in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan) is a former Japanese professional motorcycle racer currently working as a rider instructor in Suzuka Racing School. He is one of the few riders to win races in both MotoGP and Superbike World Championship.

After a junior career in minibikes, he won a regional 250cc championship in 1994. He then spent 4 years in the main Japanese 250cc series, finishing 4th on a private bike in 1998. He entered the MFJ Superbike championship in 1999. He finished in the championship top 5 for the next 4 years, but came to international fame as a wild card in the Superbike World Championship round at Sugo, upsetting the regulars to win both races in 2001, and a further race in 2002.

This helped earn him a call up to MotoGP in 2003, for Pramac Honda. The first season was a learning year, peaking with a 3rd place at Rio and two front row starts, finishing 11th overall. He joined Sito Pons' Camel Honda a year later. 2004 was his strongest MotoGP season to date, with wins at Rio and Motegi and 6th overall. He was the only Honda rider to use Bridgestone tyres, which appear to suit his style.