Takaaki Nakagami Faces Emotional Farewell at Final Home GP: A Look Ahead to Motegi Challenges

Takaaki Nakagami: No Changes for Emotional MotoGP Farewell in Japan

Japanese MotoGP Racer Prepares for Last Race at Motegi

Takaaki Nakagami acknowledges that his last Japanese Grand Prix as a regular MotoGP competitor brings a sense of "sadness." However, he insists that this event "won't alter" his mindset or strategy for the weekend.

The LCR racer will conclude his full-time MotoGP career following the 2024 season to take on a new development position with Honda.

Although this will still include some unexpected elements – with one probably happening at Motegi – this weekend marks the final home race of his racing career.

Throughout his career, he has competed in 12 Japanese Grands Prix, achieving his top performance on home ground with a fourth-place finish in the Moto2 race in 2016.

Anticipating the Motegi round this weekend, Nakagami expressed, "It's going to be an emotional experience."

"This will be my final home Grand Prix as a full-time racer. However, right now, it surprisingly feels no different from previous races, and my emotions are exactly the same."

"Naturally, it's significant for me since it's my local Grand Prix."

"Just this, nothing else. I’m not sure, it might change as each day goes by. But for now, it’s fine, I don’t feel much of any different emotion."

Last weekend at the Indonesian Grand Prix, Nakagami began using Honda's new aerodynamic package, which he noted significantly enhanced the bike's turning and stability.

He mentions that the RC213V continues to have traction issues and expresses concern about how this might impact its performance on the stop-and-go track at Motegi.

He mentions that Honda has a few strategies in mind to enhance this aspect starting from the practice sessions on Friday.

He mentioned that he got the new aerodynamic package starting last Saturday morning.

"On Friday, I utilized the earlier version, which was beneficial since having two sessions in a single day provided us with a lot of understanding."

"Afterwards, during the weekend on Saturday and Sunday, we opted to implement the new aerodynamic package, and when comparing the performance, the improvement was evident."

"It is particularly beneficial during the turning phase, making the bike somewhat more stable."

"I experienced a sense of optimism. However, the primary concern remains the insufficient rear grip, along with some wheelies when exiting the corners."

"There are certain aspects that need enhancement, particularly since Motegi is characterized by its stop-and-go nature."

"I'm somewhat concerned about the exit at the corner."

"We are working on strategies to minimize wheelies by adjusting the bike's balance. Our goal is to achieve a comfortable and optimal setup quickly."

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