The French Grand Prix MotoGP, which will take place from May 9 to 11, 2025 on the Bugatti circuit in Le Mans, will mark the return to competition of Takaaki Nakagami as a wild cardThe Japanese rider, now a test driver for Honda, will make his first racing appearance since retiring from competition at the end of the 2024 season.
After the commitment ofAleix Espargaró As a wild card at the Spanish GP in Jerez, Honda is continuing its intensive development strategy by entrusting a second wild card to the Japanese test rider. The Tokyo-based manufacturer, benefiting from concession status, can field up to six wild cards this season, an opportunity it is using to test new technical solutions in real-life conditions.
To prepare for this return, number 30 participated in the official test of Jerez the Monday following the Spanish GP, finishing 21st. These two sessions allowed him to regain competitive sensations and adjust his bike's settings in preparation for Le Mans. Aleix Espargaró, his teammate in the Honda test team with Stefan Bradl, also praised his work: "He's doing a great job, riding a lot and maintaining his speed. His participation in the French GP was planned, and Jerez served as a preparation for him."
Takaaki Nakagami, who raced seven seasons in the premier class with the LCR Honda team, finished his career in November 2024 with a rather modest 123 MotoGP Grands Prix, including one pole position and several top 5 finishes. Although he has never stood on a MotoGP podium, his experience and his perfect knowledge of the RC213V make him a valuable asset for Honda in the process of returning to the top which is clearly underway.
