Takaaki Nakagami Reflects on Emotional Farewell at Final Home MotoGP Race in Motegi

Takaaki Nakagami: No Alterations for “Disheartened” MotoGP Home Departure

Japan’s MotoGP Competitor Embarks on Last Home Race at Motegi

Takaaki Nakagami has acknowledged feeling a sense of sadness regarding his last appearance at the Japanese Grand Prix as a regular MotoGP competitor. However, he insists that this sentiment does not alter his methodology for the upcoming race weekend.

The LCR racer will retire from regular competition in MotoGP following the 2024 season, transitioning to a new position focused on development with Honda.

This weekend's race, although expected to include a few unpredictable elements – with a strong possibility of one occurring at Motegi – signifies the final home race of his career.

Throughout his career, he has competed in 12 Japanese Grand Prix races, with his highest achievement being a fourth-place finish in the 2016 Moto2 event.

Looking forward to the upcoming race at Motegi, Nakagami expressed, "It's going to be an emotional time, tinged with sadness."

"This will be my final home Grand Prix as a regular rider. Yet currently, it feels like it doesn't alter anything from before, and my emotions remain precisely the same."

"Undoubtedly, it holds a unique significance since it's the Grand Prix in my home country."

"Yet, that's all there is to it, nothing beyond. Honestly, it's hard to predict; it varies with each passing day. For now, though, things are fine, and I'm not experiencing any significant emotional shift."

Last weekend at the Indonesian GP, Nakagami began competing using Honda's newly improved aerodynamic kit. He mentioned that this upgrade significantly enhanced the bike's handling and overall stability.

Nonetheless, he points out that the RC213V remains deficient in grip and expresses concern over how this might impact the motorcycle's performance in the stop-and-go configuration of the Motegi track.

He mentions that Honda has several strategies in mind to enhance this aspect starting from Friday's practice sessions.

"He further mentioned, 'I got the latest aerodynamics kit starting from last Saturday morning, on my end.'"

"Thus, on Friday, I utilized the former option, which proved beneficial as in a single day with dual sessions, we gained significant understanding."

"Starting from the weekend, specifically Saturday and Sunday, we opted to implement the new aerodynamics package, and the contrast was immediately noticeable when comparing the two days."

"[This feature] aids significantly during the maneuvering phase, subsequently rendering the motorcycle somewhat more steady.

"I managed to experience a sense of optimism. However, the primary concern remains the insufficient rear traction and the occurrence of wheelies when coming out of turns.

"Thus, there are several areas that need enhancement, particularly at Motegi, which is known for its distinct stop-and-go characteristic."

"I'm somewhat concerned about exiting the corner."

"We're working on strategies to minimize the bike's tendency to wheelie by improving its balance. Our goal is to achieve a comfortable handling experience as quickly as we can."

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