FUJIGAS: FAREWELL

TAKAHISA FUJINAMI (REPSOL HONDA-ESP): “I firmly believe that the time has come to close the curtain on my career as a trial world championship rider after 26 years in competition. Thank you for everyone's support over this period. I have made trials my profession and performed at a more than satisfactory level for over a quarter of a century; they have been 26 great years.

"And I have to also thank my family who supported me from the first moment, my teammates, the brand, the sponsors, and the fans who have cheered me on throughout. I want to greet each of my fans one by one, and I hope to do it someday to thank them for the enormous support they have given throughout this time.

"Honda Racing and Montesa-Honda gave me a motorcycle to participate in the world championship when I was 16 years old. Since then, I am proud to have battled with this team right through to the very end.

"I still remember the shouts and applause of support at my debut in Japan and also in Spain where ‘Fujigas’ was born!

"The first victory in Germany, the tough, complicated years, but also the joy of the FIM world title in 2004. It was a long time ago, but it's my particular treasure.

I would also like to particularly remember the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi, which started in 2000 and has always had such an enthusiastic crowd; again, thank you.

"After retiring from competition, I don't know what I will do from now. I haven't made up my mind yet, but I hope to stay involved in trials in some way. I'm confident that everything will go well in my new life.”