And one less place on the MotoGP chessboard! And above all it's one less handlebar possibly available at Honda, which means that there is no longer any opportunity at HRC, in theory. Because Jorge Lorenzo may be in the hot seat, he is firmly anchored in the Repsol Honda box with a two-year contract that only he can call into question... Because here is Nakagami renewing his lease with his Honda compatriots, on the eve of his national Grand Prix at Motegi which will be his last appearance this season… Room for freelancer Johann Zarco?
On the eve of his race Japan in MotoGP, Honda Racing Corporation confirms the one-year extension of Takaaki Nakagami on the LCR Honda IDEMITSU.
Now in his second year aboard the Honda RC213V within LCR Honda IDEMITSU, Takaaki Nakagami has demonstrated, according to Honda, constant improvements in his riding and his results in the MotoGP category. With nine places in the top ten and a best result of fifth at the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, the Japanese has already amassed more than double the points than in his debut campaign.
Takaaki Nakagami arrives at his home race, the Japanese Grand Prix, with a new one-year contract with LCR Honda IDEMITSU. Everyone involved is excited to continue the relationship and looks forward to further improvements from the 27-year-old driver.
After the race in Motegi, Nakagami will undergo shoulder surgery to remedy an injury that has been bothering him since the start of the season. The nature of the operation warrants a lengthy recovery period, forcing the Japanese rider to end his 2019 season early. By performing the operation now, Nakagami aims to be in top shape for the first test of the 2020 season at Sepang on February 07.
« First of all, I'm excited to stay with Honda and the LCR team »Comments Nakagami. “ I was able to improve a lot this year and Honda gave me valuable support by offering me a very solid package. I am sure that together we can continue on this path in 2020.”
“About the injury, after the Assen crash I found myself in pain and had little strength in my shoulder. I went to the doctor to fully understand the situation and although I was able to ride with the injury, it wasn't ideal. We have therefore made the difficult decision, alongside Honda and the LCR team, to undergo this operation now »
Tetsuhiro Kuwata, Director HRC – General Manager Racing Operations Management Division adds: “ We are proud to continue supporting Takaaki Nakagami in the MotoGP category for the 2020 season. As a rider, he has continued to develop and progress throughout 2019. He is inspiring many young talents in Japan and Asia through his hard work and focus. I wish him the best in his recovery and look forward to the 2020 season »
