In 2018, the LCR team will enter two drivers, with Takaaki Nakagami joining Cal Crutchlow. This is the wish of Honda, which wants a Japanese rider in its colors in MotoGP. Lucio Cecchinello will therefore find a two-headed team like in 2015 with Crutchlow and Jack Miller.
Aged 25, Nakagami, a native of Chiba, has participated in 134 Grands Prix, including 34 in 125 and 100 in Moto2, winning two victories in the latter category, at Assen in 2016 then at Silverstone this year. He also has 14 podiums to his name and 4 pole positions, all in Moto2.
After his agreement with the Honda Racing Corporation for MotoGP was announced, it gave Nakagami wings as he won the British Grand Prix. For Lucio Cecchinello, “ The deal with HRC gave it a boost. It’s about recognition and its future. That's why he had a great race at Silverstone. He couldn't have celebrated this message better. »
What level will Nakagami be in MotoGP? For the Monegasque team manager, “For us too, it’s a difficult question, how strong will it be? MotoGP is not easy. There are riders like Tito Rabat, who were exceptionally good in the Moto2 class, but had big problems in the MotoGP class.
“Others, like Zarco, do their job extremely well in the royal class. It is not easy to assess potential in advance. We will do our best not to put pressure on him, especially in his first year, because it can be dangerous.
“Of course we expect him to show his potential during the season. I can say that we have more experience with young drivers than the other teams.
“Honda is currently planning to provide a 2017 Honda to the three rookies at the Valencia MotoGP test. The RC213Vs that Marc, Dani and Cal will use at the 2017 season finale. However, I expect that during the 2018 season the development will come when, for example, Nakagami shows his potential. »
Photos © Idemitsu Honda Team Asia
Source: speedweek. com and motogp.com
