Nakagami’s Insight: 2022 Concept Shift Marked Honda’s MotoGP Downturn

"Nakagami highlights shift in 2022 MotoGP strategy: 'This isn't the Honda we know!'

He observed significant alterations in design philosophy, aimed at enhancing rear traction, which ultimately led to a deviation from their successful path."

Takaaki Nakagami, set to transition into a test and wild-card role with Honda in the upcoming season, pinpointed the instance he believes Honda's MotoGP efforts started to fall behind its competitors.

Since joining LCR Honda in his 2018 initial season in the premier class, Nakagami firmly believes that the team can recapture its former MotoGP success, though he cautioned that significant changes are necessary.

"HRC previously possessed one of the finest motorcycles, yet currently, we seem to lack something," he commented. "I have faith that HRC will return to the forefront as swiftly as they can. However, it's going to be challenging. There are numerous aspects that need alteration."

Following their success in the final stages of the 500cc era, Honda secured ten MotoGP riders' championships between 2002 and 2019, competing under the four-stroke regulations.

Since Marc Marquez's arm injuries in 2020, there have only been four instances of race victories, with the latest being an unexpected win by Alex Rins at COTA the previous year.

Marquez's move to Gresini Ducati and Rins' transition to Monster Yamaha have left Honda with a top finish of ninth in a Sprint and merely 12th in a grand prix this season.

When inquired about the point at which the RC213V started to fall behind its competitors, the individual from Japan responded:

"In my view, 2022 stands out. The reason? In 2022, there was a total transformation in the design of the motorcycle. Following this change, I vividly recall the moment I tried out this new design – it was a revelation, making me think, 'this doesn't feel like a Honda motorcycle at all!'"

Previously, it was a compact bike with a particularly strong performance during braking. However, the front always seemed to be the limiting factor.

"They made numerous alterations to various concepts, aiming to enhance the rear grip. However, following these adjustments, we lost our direction and were unable to achieve the proper balance."

"Additionally, the introduction of the aerodynamics and ride height adjustments, along with various factors, led to increased complexity, making it difficult to achieve a suitable balance for the motorcycle. Essentially, our difficulties began escalating in 2022."

Marquez has not secured a victory for Honda since the year 2021.

In 2022, Nakagami stood out as the second-most successful RCV competitor, securing three finishes within the top eight before his season was disrupted by an injury sustained in an accident with Marquez during his comeback at Aragon from additional arm surgery.

The 32-year-old elaborated that although focusing on the rear grip occasionally yielded results, they were unable to achieve the ideal equilibrium.

Nakagami explained, "The idea was aimed at significantly enhancing rear traction. Therefore, if you inquire about which model possessed traction, it was the 2022 motorcycle, thanks to this strategy. However, achieving equilibrium was challenging. Controlling the front was consistently a tough task."

"Qualifying sessions consistently went well due to the enhanced grip provided by fresh tyres, which reliably helped in bettering our lap times. However, achieving steady performance proved challenging. It left us with significant uncertainties."

Traction and stability continue to be key concerns for the latest Honda model, and will undoubtedly be a focus for Nakagami in his upcoming role as a test rider.

"Nakagami mentioned, "I'll serve as a trial rider in both Japan and Europe, participating in a few races as a wild-card. This represents a significant shift for me, but I've felt something lacking for the past few years… I possess the speed, yet due to various factors, I'm unable to achieve my desired position."

"I aim to expedite the progress in Japan even further. Numerous areas require enhancement, as this also provides me the opportunity to directly communicate with Japanese engineers."

Currently, we're in Europe, and right here in the paddock, we're in the dark about what the HRC team is experimenting with in Japan. This is something I can significantly enhance.

"The focus is on enhancing the link between [Japan] and both the paddock and the European test team. It's essential for them to grasp my actions and for us to exchange ample information, ensuring all parties have a comprehensive understanding of each segment. Currently, this is the gap that HRC needs to address."

"I'm really thrilled about this new phase in my life. I'm feeling wonderful and I'm also delighted for Chantra. I plan to assist him in adapting since there's a huge difference between Moto2 and MotoGP. I aim to offer guidance and share my knowledge with him based on my own experiences."

Nakagami begins his last eight races as a permanent rider in Misano this weekend, currently leading Honda's riders in the global championship rankings, despite being in the 18th position.

Moto2 victor Somkiat Chantra is set to make his first appearance in MotoGP during the Valencia post-race test in November, stepping in to join Johann Zarco as he takes over from Nakagami.

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