Tomoko Igata

Tomoko Igata (井形とも子, born October 30, 1965) is a Japanese former professional Grand Prix motorcycle road racer. She competed in the Grand Prix world championships from 1992 to 1995. Igata is notable for being the second full-time female rider after Taru Rinne, to compete in Grand Prix motorcycle racing history. In 2016, Igata was named an FIM Legend for her pioneering Grand Prix racing career. She is the sister of pioneering motorcycle racer, Mari Igata.

Motorcycle racing career Igata competed in the 125cc All Japan Road Race Championship from 1991 to 1993, finishing in the Top 10 every year. Her best result was in 199q when she finished 6th in the Championship. In 1992 Igata made her Grand Prix debut at Suzuka as a wild card where she survived the treacherous wet track finishing 20th and capturing the attention of the media.

In 1994, Igata signed up for a full 125cc World Championship with the FCC Technical Sports team racing a Honda RS125. Igata immediately won two points at the first race in Australia and rode an impressive race in Suzuka, but was injured in a crash at the Austrian Grand Prix and was replaced by her teammate in Japanese championship Tomomi Manako.