The most talented 125cc rider never to win a world championship, Noboru 'Nobby' Ueda, has joined countryman Tetsuya Harada in announcing his retirement from Grand Prix racing after 12 years.
The 35 year-old veteran has been an inspiration to the younger Japanese riders entering the world championship, always on hand with help and advice when needed, he has endeared himself to friends and rivals alike.
His arrival in Grand Prix racing in 1991 was nothing short of sensational. He made his debut at the Japanese Grand Prix, at Suzuka, and won first time out, despite two crashes in qualifying.
Ueda finished third in the following GP, in Australia, before going on to record another first victory at the Spanish GP a
Jerez, his first ever European. That race win was truly memorable as he outfought former double 125c World Champion Fausto Gresini to win by 0.9secs.
Nobby then crashed out of the next race, in Italy, in spectacular style, but his two victories and two additional podium finishes saw Ueda eventually finish fifth in his World Championship debut season.
That year was the first of his five top-five championship positions, which included twice finishing second, in 1994 and 1997.
Without doubt the most talented 125cc rider never to win a world championship title, Ueda's record speaks for itself. He has started in no less than 160 Grands Prix scoring 13 race victories, finished second 12 times and third on 14 occasions.
But his open and friendly character belies a steely resolve: Ueda was a winner, he was not prepared to settle for less, and he often paid a heavy price for his determined approach to racing. The latest heavy crash of his career, at Mugello in June, left him with a serious pelvic injury, which has plagued him ever since, hastening his retirement.
"It's time to stop," said Ueda with a wry smile. "My body tells me I have to take care of myself. I will return to Japan for treatment, get completely fit again, then make a decision on my future. Whatever happens I would prefer to continue working in Grand Prix racing."
