Uncertain Future: Takaaki Nakagami Weighs MotoGP Prospects Amid Rising Competition from Somkiat Chantra

Takaaki Nakagami: "Moment to Reflect" on MotoGP Career

Takaaki Nakagami: “We have a week off following this Grand Prix… So it seems I’ll have some time to consider my future.”

Takaaki Nakagami aims to learn about his MotoGP career prospects ahead of the commencement of the flyaway races.

Since entering the top-tier racing division in 2018, Nakagami, who rides for LCR Honda, is facing the possibility of losing his spot to Moto2 standout Somkiat Chantra.

According to some rumors, an agreement with the Thai rider has reportedly been finalized. However, HRC team manager Alberto Puig stated in Austria on Sunday that "no decision has been made yet."

It is believed that Nakagami has been approached by Honda with an offer, and he has been considered for a role as a MotoGP test rider for some time. However, HRC has already secured Aleix Espargaro to partner with Stefan Bradl in its test team based in Europe.

Although Nakagami refrained from disclosing the specifics of the HRC proposal, he did indicate when a decision would be made.

"I'm hoping for either Aragon or Misano," Nakagami mentioned. "Following this Grand Prix, we have a week off since the Repsol team will be heading to the Misano test, but our LCR team doesn't have any tests scheduled. It seems like I'll have some time to contemplate things."

The Aragon race is scheduled for next weekend, and it will be followed right after by the initial event at Misano.

A second event in Misano is scheduled for September 20-22, replacing the Kazakhstan round, before the series moves on to five consecutive flyaway races, starting in Indonesia.

Alberto Puig stated that Honda needs to consider its future direction.

In Sunday's Austrian MotoGP, Nakagami secured the highest position among Honda riders by finishing in 14th place. This result puts him just one point behind his teammate Johann Zarco, who is currently the leading Honda rider in the world championship standings, holding 18th place.

Joan Mir from Repsol Honda and Nakagami both have 13 points, while Luca Marini has only managed to earn one point this year.

Nakagami stated at Silverstone earlier this month that his primary goal is to remain with the same team and continue racing. He emphasized that it wouldn't be fair to judge his performance this season since all four riders are facing difficulties, not just him.

In an interview with Simon Crafar at the Red Bull Ring, Puig commented on the vacant 2025 Honda race position, stating: "No decisions have been made yet. However, Taka has extensive experience with our motorcycle and is also very quick."

“It’s a fact that he hasn’t had much luck in recent years, dealing with several injuries. However, having a highly skilled Japanese rider is always beneficial for the factory, as communicating in Japanese is, let’s say, clearer for them.”

"Taka possesses a comprehensive knowledge of the motorcycle, and throughout the years, he has significantly contributed to its development."

However, it's also accurate to say that the Asia Talent Cup generates many racers. For instance, Ogura secured a contract with Aprilia for MotoGP, and there's a possibility that Chantra might also enter MotoGP in the future.

"Honda has to consider the future of these individuals as it's a matter of compromise. Having seasoned riders alongside younger ones is consistently beneficial. This reflects the current scenario with the Asian riders."

"Chantra has potential, but Nakagami brings experience to the table," said Johann Zarco, who is in his first year of a two-year deal with the LCR Honda team, where Nakagami is his current teammate.

"I'm not sure who it will be. I've heard rumors about Chantra. It would be pretty exciting for Thailand to have a rider. He brings a lot of energy and is very aggressive on the track. However, it's clear that he doesn't have the same level of experience as Nakagami."

Considering the entirety of the RC213V project, the Frenchman mentioned that Chantra’s inexperience in MotoGP could potentially be advantageous.

"I believe that having a newcomer who is picking up new skills could help us identify the bike's strengths and weaknesses. This is because a rookie lacks any prior benchmarks to compare against."

"Occasionally, starting with a 'blank slate' can be quite intriguing and beneficial."

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