The drivers who develop parts for Grand Prix machines often operate in the shadows. Testing is much more than approving factory modifications, it's being able to feel things and explain them as best as possible. Shinichi Ito (often Frenchified as 'Itoh') was part of this category of pilots. A look back at the career of a “luxury tester”.
The Japanese school is fascinating to study. There are very many drivers, especially in the 1990s, overflowing with talent and aggressiveness. Ito is no exception to the rule. He began his career at the end of the 1980s in the very prestigious Japanese championship, and immediately showed himself to be fast.
Already running on Honda, the firm realized the potential of the young man. This one manages to bring something extra, a real feeling, and details the problems of the machines extremely well. In 1989, he was already hired by HRC Honda to freelance at the Japanese Grand Prix, a habit for the best in the country.
This proves convincing: he manages to score a top 10 on the legendary Suzuka circuit. Thus begins a long period of testing for different machines. His calendar consists of the Japanese championship, the Suzuka 8 Hours and a stint at the Japanese Grand Prix. Proof of this confidence, it is the HRC which gives him the opportunity to share the track with the best once a year, and this four years in a row.
Every year he makes a pretty good impression. Far from being ridiculous, he even finished 4th in the 1992 edition of the GP, finishing ahead of the great Randy Mamola. After so many years at Honda (since the start of his career), the winged brand decided to reward him with an official handlebar for the year 1993.
The Honda dynasty of the 1990s is one thanks to men in the shadows like Ito. Here, Doohan on his NSR500, ahead of Beattie and Ito at Eastern Creek in 1993. Photo: Stu Newby
The opportunity is worth gold, just like him. Indeed, while Daryl Beattie and Mick Doohan are busy scoring very big points, it is Ito who is developing future parts for Rothmans Honda. His role is absolutely essential in the team, but necessarily shines less than the two front men. However, he managed to get on the podium in Germany, as well as to gain a seventh place in the championship.
The contract continues for the following years, and the paddock discovers a very regular driver, who supports Honda in the title race. Despite his numerous appearances on the podium – three in 1994 alone – he was unable to win any races. In 1996, he was partly in charge of the development of the two-cylinder Honda NSR500V, but the glaring lack of power compared to the V4s prevented it from performing like other years.
In the mid-1990s, Honda was unbeatable. Doohan stacks up the titles, and Ito, Crivillé or Okada take care of grabbing the rest. Photo: Box Repsol
At the end of a complicated season, Shinichi decided to return to race in Japan, still for Honda, but did not forget development: he became the Bridgestone tester for Honda, with his very talented compatriot Nobuatsu Aoki. To top it all off, it was his valuable feedback that helped Honda develop the RC211V, the first MotoGP in the company's history. At the age of 36, he was rewarded with a wildcard at the 2002 Japanese Grand Prix, on the brand new machine, which he finished in an honorable 4th place.
Ito never moves away from the world of Grand Prix, but takes a step back. He focused on an event that was dear to him, the Suzuka 8 Hours, with success. But, in the mid-2000s, it is still requested by teams looking for good results: this is the case of Ducati, which offers its services to better understand the rubbers.
Although he is less known than Doohan, Ukawa or Rossi, Ito's key role in the success of the three Honda riders is undeniable. The firm decided to give him the ultimate gift: to reward a formidable career, the decision-makers offered him a wildcard to the 2011 Japanese Grand Prix, to support Japanese unity after the damage of the natural disaster. On a magnificent RC212V dressed in traditional colors, he set off at the age of 45 for his last game. A magnificent moment, for a life dedicated to an unwavering passion.
Cover photo: Rikita
