Shortly after crashing out of Sunday's season ending Valencia Grand Prix, Camel Pramac Pons rider Tohru Ukawa co𒁏nfirmed he won't be riding in the premier-class next season and will, reluctantly, become a HRC test rider instead.

Ukawa started ninth, but was taken out by countryman Shinya Nakano within the first few laps, bringing a premature end to his GP career. Nakano later apologise🅷d for the collision.

"This is such a stupid way to go out," sighed Tohru, who made his GP debut in 1994 as a wild-ca🥃rd in ൲the 250cc class. "Nakano hit me from behind, but none of it really matters because I am retiring now.

"I'll be an HRC test rider, bu♏t I still want to race and think it is too soon to retire from competition so we will see what happens," added t♏he 30-year-old.

"I would like to take this opportunity to wish Tohru well for the future. He is a very special person and I want to thank him🧸 for ൲all the dedication he has shown to the team," said Sito Pons.

Ukawa took four 250cc wins and one MotoGP v🍷ictory - with Repsol Honda at the 2002 Africa's Grand Prix (bottom pic) - during eight years as a full time GP rider. However, his best finish this season was a fourth place at Jerez, leaving the #11 eighth in the final championship standings.

Makoto Tamada is highly tipped to replace Ukawa in the Pons team next year, alongside Max Biaggi🍒, due to his Pramac and Honda links.

However, the question remains as to whether both Tamada and Biaggi wil♊l use Bridgestone ty🐎res in 2004.