Takaaki Nakagami comes out of these first four Grands Prix of the season, and especially the last one, in Austin, worn out. And it's not just about fitness. Morally, it is also the storm under a helmet of which he begins to wonder what he must do to be worthy of it. The Japanese is in complete darkness, but his Honda compatriots who use him remain patient for the moment...
The LCR Honda rider Taka Nakagami was devastated and lost after his 14th place finish in the Austin MotoGP race. “ We have to change something ", did he declare. The man from the Idemitsu LCR Honda team Lucio Cecchinello now seems demoralized. “ Even in warm-up, the weather was only good for one lap. But I was also worried about the race. My running pace wasn't fast enough. I had front and rear grip issues. It was difficult to manage the exits from the tight corners well. It was like in Argentina » laments Taka.
Takaaki Nakagami: “ I just couldn't keep up with the drivers in front of me«
The Japanese remembers: “ I just couldn't keep up with the drivers in front of me. It was really hard. We must find a solution. We are really slow for the race. We have to change something for European races. Maybe I need to change my style or we need to adjust something with the electronics ". He adds : " I changed my riding style and my settings during the race. But the other guys kept taking time from me in the corners. It's not about top speed either. We need to analyze exactly where we need to improve ».
A real imperative at a time when the European campaign will begin on April 22 in Portimao, a period of the championship which decides the future… “ Important MotoGP races are coming with Portimão and Jerez. I am very disappointed with what has happened in the four races so far. I don't mean we have to win the race. But we can't even stay in the top 5 or top 6 right now. We need to discuss what we can improve or change ».
The existential anguish of his compatriot came to the ears of the technical director of HRC, Takeo Yokoyama, who responded on speedweek : " we have a new motorcycle. Drivers need to change their style. But we know it will take time. That’s why we don’t put any pressure on them. ". Until when ?
