Since the Dutch Grand Prix, the Japanese driver of Lucio Cecchinello's Honda LCR team has been handicapped by an injury which prevented him from obtaining good results, and he has therefore given up on the last Grands Prix of the year to have an operation in Japan. Everything seems to have gone well, and Taka should have recovered for offseason testing of Sepang, scheduled for February 7, 8 and 9.
Reminder of the facts: At Assen, during the fifth lap, he was fighting with Rossi, but he was unlucky when the Yamaha team rider lost the front in Turn 8 and collided with his rival's Honda . Although he required medical attention, Taka believed he escaped unscathed and expressed relief afterwards: “ It was an unlucky day, we had a good start at the start and I tried to follow the lead group, explained Takaaki. Then I fought with Cal (Crutchlow), Jack (Miller) and Valentino (Rossi), and on this lap he (Rossi) overtook me in the first corner and I overtook him in the second, then in the eighth he tried to overtake on the inside but I saw him lose the front and I didn't have time to avoid him and he hit me. It was an unfortunate fall, but although I'm not 100%, I don't have any injuries, which is good because it was a bad fall. I hit the exterior guards and I can't completely remember what happened, but I want to thank all the staff for helping me. »
Nakagami bravely continued to ride after Assen, but his shoulder was damaged beyond repair. He finished ninth in Brno, then tenth in Aragón and Thailand, but without really being able to defend his chances to 100%. He therefore decided to participate in his national Grand Prix in Motegi, then to resolve his physical problem. “Regarding my injury, since my fall in Assen, I was experiencing some pain and I lacked strength. I went to the doctor to try to find out more. Until then I was able to ride even if it wasn't ideal. It wasn't easy, but we decided with Honda and LCR to carry out the operation now." explained the Nippon.
He was all the more reassured that Honda fully supported him by extending his contract for 2020 (two weeks ago, which means that Honda waited very long and very late for this renewal, without officially giving the reason. ). Nakagami was satisfied: “I am delighted to continue the adventure with Honda and the LCR team. I have been able to improve greatly this season and Honda has given me huge support by providing me with a strong package. I am convinced that we will be able to continue this dynamic in 2020.”
Tetsuhiro Kuwata, Director of HRC and “General Manager Race Operations Management Division” effectively supported his driver and compatriot: “We are proud to continue our partnership with Takaaki ahead of 2020. He has grown and progressed throughout this 2019 season. He is a driver who inspires many young talents in Japan and Asia with his sense of work. I wish him the best in his recovery and look forward to 2020.”
Taka was therefore operated on by Doctor Hiroyuki Sugaya at Funabashi Orthopedic Hospital on Tuesday. The surgeon was happy with how the procedure went and Nakagami is already looking forward to starting his rehabilitation program.
According to Dr. Hiroyuki Sugaya : “I completed Mr. Nakagami's surgery and he had severe cartilage damage in his shoulder, so I removed the damaged cartilage to restore mobility to his shoulder. The end result is very beautiful, so I think it will be fine for the next MotoGP season. »
Above: Takaaki Nakagami two days before his surgery
Photos © Takaaki Nakagami personal
