Alongside theformalization of Khairul Idham Pawi alongside Takaaki Nakagami within the Idemitsu Honda Asia team, “Tady” Okada revealed the composition of his Moto3 team.
And there, if Kaito Toba is already known to our readers (4th of FIM CEV Repsol Moto3 and 5th in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup) and has a name that is easy to remember, it is not the same for the not so young (20 years old) Thai pilot Nakarin Atiraphuvapat coming from the Asia Talent Cup which he finished 4th in 2015, then the FIM CEV Repsol Moto3™ which he finished in 17th position this year, behind his three Japanese colleagues from the Asia Talent Team, including only two, Toba and Sasaki, will make their full-time debut in the World Championship in 2017.
A somewhat atypical journey, therefore, and a surname that is somewhat difficult to pronounce that our colleagues at Eurosport will undoubtedly have to work diligently during the 3 months that separate us from the 3 Moto2017 season (Tests in Jerez on March 8). But we trust them; They will be ready!
Tadayuki Okada – team manager : “Our team will field in 2017 the young Japanese Kaito Toba and the Thai motorcycle hopeful Nakarin Atiratphuvapat. During the tests in Valencia in mid-November, we had already demonstrated their strong potential. To be able to defend our chances in the Championship, they will work on their driving, their determination and their physical strength. With these young drivers, Honda Team Asia intends to achieve good performances from the start of the season. »
Kaito Toba : “I am very excited about participating in the Moto3 World Championship, but I understand that it is only a starting point. My career truly began here. It won't be easy, but I feel ready to face this new challenge. I don't forget everything people have done for me and I will give everything to demonstrate what I am capable of. »
Nakarin Atiratphuvapat : “I'm so happy and excited to start in the Moto3 world, to face the best riders. I will take this opportunity to develop my driving. My goal is to finish as the best rookie. I think this team has a lot of experience in the World Championship, which makes me very confident. »
