**Nakagami Announces MotoGP Retirement, Transition to HRC Development Rider in 2025**

Takaaki Nakagami: "I have chosen to retire from my MotoGP career."

Takaaki Nakagami will leave LCR and transition to an HRC development rider role starting in 2025.

In 2025, Takaaki Nakagami will transition to a role focused on HRC development, making room for Somkiat Chantra to join the LCR Honda MotoGP team next season. Update: Chantra's position with LCR has now been officially confirmed.

In a recent statement, Nakagami announced his plan to retire from MotoGP racing at the conclusion of the 2024 season. He extended heartfelt thanks to his fans for their unwavering support.

"I want to express my gratitude to IDEMITSU and HONDA for their ongoing support over the years. Starting in 2025, I will be contributing to the development of HRC machines. It's fulfilling to be able to leverage my seven years of experience in MotoGP, and I'm looking forward to this new phase in my career."

"In conclusion, I am grateful to Lucio and the entire LCR team for making me feel like a family member. These past years with them have been amazing, and they will always hold a special place in my heart!"

Following his victory in two Moto2 races, Nakagami advanced to the top-tier MotoGP in 2018 and has dedicated his entire seven-year career in this class to racing with LCR.

Nakagami nearly secured a podium finish multiple times and was considered a favorite to win after earning pole position in the 2020 Aragon race, but he unfortunately crashed while leading on the first lap.

The 32-year-old Japanese rider, who had mentioned that his first preference was to remain with LCR, will now transition to a role as a HRC test rider in Japan and will also take part in select MotoGP races as a wild-card entry.

"It's not a farewell, it's a 'see you soon'!" stated team leader Lucio Cecchinello. "Our connection with Nakagami isn't ending; it's about to change, and we'll still be seeing him within the HRC MotoGP development program."

Over the last seven years, the LCR team has experienced a meaningful period. Taka has proven to be a talented and speedy racer, as well as a wonderful individual. Collaborating with him has been extremely enjoyable. His courtesy, generosity, and professionalism have left a lasting impact on the entire LCR crew and HRC, for which we are eternally thankful.

"Going forward, his role at HRC will be crucial, and I am eager to have him with us. Taka is highly respected and admired throughout the entire MotoGP community, which is truly remarkable. We appreciate all your hard work and the time you've spent with us, Taka!"

Nakagami will retire at the end of this season and take on a test riding role with Honda, joining Aprilia's Aleix Espargaro in making a similar transition. Espargaro is set to become a member of HRC's European test team, working alongside Stefan Bradl.

This weekend's Aragon MotoGP sees the Japanese rider starting in 20th place in the world championship standings. Despite this, he is tied on points with Repsol Honda and trails his team-mate, leading Honda racer Johann Zarco, by just a single point.

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