Retro: But who is this man on the left on the podium?

If you follow the MotoGP For some time now, you will have noticed that a Yamaha test rider achieved at least one wild card between 2011 and 2018, sometimes with great results, including an exceptional podium. A look back at an extraordinary career.

He is linked to the Japanese brand for life. Although he is little known, if not unknown, in Europe, Nakasuga is one of the best drivers in the country, despite his 42 years. Trained at the Japanese school, he studied in the national championship, with good results but without titles. He was chosen to make a wild card for the 2002 Pacific Grand Prix, 250cc category. The Japanese rounds were often the perfect opportunity to take off a career, and this took full advantage of some. He finished 12th in his first Grand Prix, crossing the line with compatriots. It's not much, but it's something. He timidly returns to Suzuka in 2003, during the tragic weekend which saw the disappearance of Daijiro Kato. Without success, it's abandonment. Unconvincing result in 2005, with a 20th place.

At already 24 years old, the world championship dreams already seem erased. Japan is not succeeding however, it has still not gleaned a championship title in one of the three categories of the national championship. But we must remember one thing. He never surrenders. Continuing to improve despite his advanced age, he managed to win the Japanese Superbike title in 2008. In 2009, he achieved the double, which represents a quite remarkable performance. Thus, he persists, becoming Yamaha's trusted man. His career is almost entirely spent with the blues; and miraculously, the efforts finally paid off in 2011, seven years after his last appearance in the world championship. Jorge Lorenzo having been injured at Philip Island, he becomes the number 1 choice to replace him in Malaysia. Unfortunately, Marco Simoncelli also leaves the paddock. The race is canceled and the meeting is postponed to Valencia.

 

 

Remember that four deaths have punctuated the world championship rounds since 2000, and Katsuyuki has experienced two, all while only participating in four races! The Japanese quickly acclimatized to the Spanish track, the last game of the season. And while the world's eyes are on the Spies/Stoner battle, Nakasuga finishes in sixth place! This great performance can only strengthen the links he maintains with Yamaha. In 2012, same scenario, except that he replaced Ben Spies who was too often absent.

But there, consecration. The track is wet, and taking advantage of the falls, he climbs onto the podium and is in second place! Imagine. A rider who, barely ten years ago, was unable to show his worth in 250cc. A true example of work and determination. He went from a period of nine years without a single title in Japan, to a MotoGP podium shared with Dani Pedrosa and Casey Stoner!

 

 

Of course, it is difficult to repeat the feat of Valencia, as the conditions were so special. But every year – until 2018, in Motegi, we saw the friendly Japanese man with the original helmet. During this time, he managed to shine on Japanese soil. Today he has ten championship titles.. Katsuyuki is also an endurance expert, and also contributed to the victory of Pol Espargaró, Bradley Smith and Alex Lowes in the 8 Hours of Suzuka : he is also titled there four times.

Although he only made 13 Grand Prix appearances during his career, he is a true inspiration. Someone who knew how to adapt, believe in himself and change his style to still be in the game shortly before the age of 40. History may not remember the blue soldier... but that doesn't matter. He will have great anecdotes to tell.

Did you know this unusual driver? Tell us in the comments!

 

 

Cover photo: Box Repsol