**”Emotional Farewell: Takaaki Nakagami’s Triumphant Final Home Race at Japanese MotoGP”**

"Feeling emotional, today is a day I will always remember": Takaaki Nakagami bids farewell at his home MotoGP event.

"I take great pride in my performance; it was a strong race."

Takaaki Nakagami crossed the finish line in 13th place, performing a wheelie during what marked his last home race in the Japanese MotoGP as a full-time competitor.

Starting from the 21st position in qualifying and eliminated from the Sprint by his teammate Johann Zarco, Nakagami was the sole rider to take a risk with the soft rear tyre for the main race.

The effort was successful.

Instead of losing momentum, the upcoming HRC test and temporary rider was closing in on the pack of competitors in the final laps, ending just 1.5 seconds behind Aleix Espargaro and securing a ninth-place finish.

"It was an incredibly moving race," stated Nakagami. "I really relished the experience and was determined to perform my best for my supporters."

"I realized that beginning at the rear of the lineup meant I had no risk, and earning points is always a positive outcome."

"I put in my utmost effort right up to the finish. With just two more laps, I might have been able to overtake that group. Nonetheless, I truly relished the final segment of the race and feel a strong sense of pride in my performance."

"The delicate back end posed a challenge, yet I was handling it quite effectively."

"It turned out to be the right choice. I maintained a steady performance throughout, and towards the final stretch of the race, I managed to gain a few tenths of a second, which allowed me to close in on the group ahead."

The local supporters expressed their gratitude for Nakagami's dedication throughout the last seven years by cheering enthusiastically as he completed his cooldown lap.

"I'll always remember this day," he remarked. "The cool-down lap felt amazing. I appreciate everyone's support."

As I looked around each corner, I noticed all the fans and thought to myself, "Perhaps this will be the final cooldown."

"I'm really proud of my efforts today; I put in my best, making this Sunday particularly meaningful for me."

As I returned to the pit area, I was overwhelmed with emotion and almost in tears upon seeing my entire team and all the staff.

Nakagami, set to be replaced by newcomer Somkiat Chantra at LCR Honda next season, currently holds 18th place in the world championship standings. He trails Zarco by 8 points but is positioned ahead of Repsol competitors Joan Mir and Luca Marini.

During Sunday's race, Alex Marquez caused Mir to crash on the first lap, and Marini ended up in 14th place, trailing Nakagami by three seconds.

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