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Takaaki Nakagami is preparing for a major challenge: to revive the RC213V for the 2025 MotoGP season as a test rider for HRC. We are eagerly awaiting the unfolding of this new adventure, a “completely different job” according to the rider.

After ending his full-time racing career at the end of the 2024 season, Takaaki Nakagami begins a new chapter as a test pilot for HRC. With the support of Stefan bradl and the newcomer Aleix Espargaró, Nakagami embarks on a crucial mission: to make the RC213V competitive in a MotoGP dominated by European manufacturers.

Nakagami took his new role to heart in December, with two days of testing on the Sepang International Circuit. This first outing marked a turning point for the Japanese rider, who is now focusing on the technical development of the bike, in close collaboration with the R&D department of Honda in Japan.

« It will be a completely different job from what I have done before., " has explained Nakagami. " I approach it from a technical perspective, with many important tasks. I look forward to contributing to this project"

Nakagami joins a testing team consisting of the experienced Stefan bradl, at the service of Honda since 2018, and the veteran Aleix Espargaró, recruited to bring his expertise after years at ApriliaTogether, they will face the challenge of bridging the gap with cutting-edge machines, such as the Ducati Desmosedici and theAprilia RS-GP.

Taka Nakagami

Takaaki Nakagami: “ I look forward to this challenge »

Their immediate goal is to provide HRC's regular drivers with a more competitive package for the 2025 season. This includes improvements in several areas: aerodynamics, braking stability and corner exit traction.

Nakagami will be active from the Sepang Shakedown (January 31 – February 2), where he will continue to refine the RC213V alongside Bradl and I will espargaroThese tests will be followed by official tests in Sepang (5-7 February) and Buriram (12-13 February), before the start of the season in Thailand at the beginning of March. Nakagami could also participate in several wild-card races in 2025, allowing it to directly test the improvements in real racing conditions.

After seven seasons in MotoGP, with a best performance in 2020 (tenth overall), Nakagami see on speedweek this new role as an opportunity to contribute to the renewal of Honda : " I am excited about this new responsibility. It is not just driving, but participating in important technical decisions. It is a completely different approach, and I look forward to this challenge"

The role of Taka Nakagami is part of a global effort to Honda to regain its competitiveness. With resources partially relocated to Europe and new technical leadership, the Japanese manufacturer hopes to turn the page on difficult seasons.

The success of Nakagami, Bradl, and I will espargaro in this testing role will be essential to give back to Honda a place among the leaders of MotoGP. For the Japanese rider, it is a chance to leave a lasting mark on an ambitious project, while remaining a key figure in the paddock.

Takaaki Nakagami

 

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