At the end of last season, it was certain for Nakagami that, for the first time in his MotoGP career, he would have a latest generation Honda. An approach on the part of the brand that is all the more unprecedented as it promised that the four RC213Vs lined up would, in 2021, be at the same level. However, listening to the Japanese in his last intervention, it would seem that this is no longer so obvious...
In 2021, Nakagami will again be a satellite team driver LCR. He will have a new teammate in the person ofAlex Marquez which will be in its second season in MotoGP, after having experienced the first under the official colors Repsol Honda. An honorable rookie career in a team destabilized by the injury and withdrawal of its leader Marc Marquez, and even more so since he was the only one to bring home the podium.
A performance that was not achieved by the Japanese who only saw it up close. However, in the 14 races on the calendar, the Chiba native only finished outside the Top 10 twice. Nakagami has also made a lot of progress by studying data from Marc Marquez and trying to stick as closely as possible to his unique style. Enough to deserve, therefore, this latest generation RC213V, identical to that of his teammate and, above all, that of Pol Espargaro, Stefan bradl and his older brother when he returns under the Repsol awning.
Nakagami: “we need to have a discussion with HRC”
But it seems, according to the interview given to motogp.com, that the roadmap is no longer so clear... Nakagami says thus: “ we are a satellite team, not an official team. In other words, I don't know yet what parts we will have exactly. I will definitely test some new ones, but I don't know when, we need to have a discussion about this with HRC ».
On this, he positions himself in relation to the other drivers Honda who will be in the running: “ I heard the latest news about Marc and I am really sorry. I thought he was going to be ready from the start of this season, but it seems off to a bad start. That being said, I will not be alone. Certainly Pol arrives at Repsol Honda, the fact remains that he has a lot of experience, he knows perfectly how to ride a MotoGP. I think he should adapt to the Honda very quickly! ". And there will be Alex Marquez, which he does not cite. We will recall that the team LCR has renewed its lease with MotoGP until 2026, and that it is guaranteed to have two Hondas until 2022.
