Poggiali departs from World Championship scene

Campetella Racing Team´s Manuel Poggiali has decided to retire from riding in the World Championship due to a physical condition which has restricted his competitiveness for a considerable length of time.

His Team Manager Eros Braconi confirmed the sad news to motogp.com, saying, `It was Manuel´s decision and we have to respect it. He is only 25 years-old and I consider him like a son. It is clear that he could no longer put up with the problem which has troubled him for a long, long period.´

The San Marino rider arrived at Brno last weekend hoping for a positive result in what he knew would be his last ever GP, but a problem with his gearbox prevented him from signing off on a high note.

Poggiali, who will officially announce his retirement in a press conference at Misano next week, was the 125cc World Champion in 2001 and the 250cc title-winner in 2003, with a record of twelve Grand Prix victories and eleven pole positions. This year his best result was sixth at Le Mans and he leaves the 250cc scene sitting in eighteenth place in the standings.

Former WTR San Marino Team 125cc rider Stefano Bianco has been mentioned as a possible candidate to take up the 250cc seat which Poggiali vacates.