Shinya Nakano Retires from Racing

Japanese rider Shinya Nakano announced that he has decided to retire from the world of racing, during a press conference held in Japan on Wednesday. Nakano left the MotoGP Honda Gresini team at the end of the 2008 season and in 2009 he competed in the WSBK with Aprilia, alongside Max Biaggi.

The 32 year old rider, however, was kept away from the track in the final three rounds of the 2009 WSBK season, due to neck muscle problems.

"This year has been a really tough one," Nakano was quoted as saying by worldsbk.com. "I've concentrated on treatment after breaking my collarbone during Round 3 in Spain and straining my neck in Round 11 in Germany, but by missing a few races, I've been a burden to my team as well as to others involved,” he added.

“I feel that as a professional rider, it's time to stop racing if I'm not in a perfect condition to do so. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the motorcycle manufacturers who believed in my potential and offered me contracts, to the sponsors supporting the race, and to the fans that have always supported me. From now on, if I can put such experience to good use, I would like to keep contributing to the motorcycle world," concluded Nakano.

Aprilia is yet to announce their rider line-up for the 2010 season. Max Biaggi has a two year contract with the team and his option was renewed, so the only thing left to see is who will be the next rider signed by the Italian team.