Takaaki Nakagami extends contract with Honda in MotoGP

Michelle Liew

October 15, 2019

Japanese MotoGP rider Takaaki Nakagami will be riding under Honda for another year.

In case you missed out, Honda Racing Corporation has confirmed its one-year extension of Takaaki Nakagami in the LCR Honda IDEMITSU. The two will continue their partnership and done so before Takaaki’s home MotoGP race in Japan.

Takaaki Nakagami has provided excellent performance during his run this year, as seen in his results in the MotoGP class. This is his second year with his Honda RC213V. Takaaki managed to secure nine top-ten finishes and a best result of fifth at the Italian Grand Prix in Mugello.

After the race in Motegi, Takaaki will be undergoing an operation on his shoulder to treat an injury that has been persistent throughout the season. He will be ending the 2019 season earlier than the other riders. After his recovery, Takaaki will be able to participate in the first test of the 2020 season in Sepang on February 07.

Takaaki Nakagami

Photo credits: Bikes Republic

“First of all, I am delighted to stay with Honda and the LCR Team. I have been able to improve a lot this year and Honda have shown me great support. They have given me a very strong package. I am sure together we can continue this in 2020. About the injury, after the crash I had in Assen I found myself in some pain and lacking a bit of strength in my shoulder. I went to the doctor to fully understand the situation. I have been able to ride with the injury. Although, it has not been ideal so we made the difficult decision alongside Honda and the LCR Team to have this operation now,” says Takaaki as quoted from Honda Racing Corporation.

Tetsuhiro Kuwata – HRC Director-General Manager Race Operations Management Division

Photo credits: HRC

“We are proud to continue to support Takaaki Nakagami in the MotoGP class for the 2020 season. As a rider he has continued to develop and grow throughout all of 2019. He is someone who inspires many young talents in Japan and Asia with his hard work and focus. I wish him all the best in his recovery and look forward to the 2020 season.”