Takaaki Nakagami continues with LCR Honda for 2024
Takaaki Nakagami to Continue with LCR Honda for 2024 MotoGP Season
The 2024 MotoGP grid sees further confirmation as Takaaki Nakagami secures his place with LCR Honda for another season. The Japanese rider made his premier-class debut with LCR in 2018 and has maintained his association with the team since then.
Nakagami, a double Moto2 race winner, had his most notable MotoGP season in 2020, where he achieved a career-best fourth position in two races and secured pole position at Aragon, ultimately finishing tenth in the standings.
However, the 31-year-old's performance has experienced a downturn in line with the struggles of the RC213V, Honda's premier-class bike. He finished 15th in 2021 and slipped to 18th in the standings last year, showing comparable results to Alex Marquez, who transitioned to Gresini Ducati and secured a Grand Prix podium and Sprint win this season.
Lucio Cecchinello, the team principal, expressed his pride in having Nakagami for another season and acknowledged Nakagami's speed and potential to achieve good results. He emphasized the importance of Nakagami's experience with the bike, and both LCR and HRC are keen on pushing forward to secure better positions in the races.
Nakagami, too, conveyed his excitement about continuing with LCR Honda for another season, considering the team as an extension of his family. He expressed gratitude to LCR and HRC for the opportunity and acknowledged the good match between himself and the team. He emphasized the need to work even harder to prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
For the 2024 season, Nakagami will have Johann Zarco as his teammate, replacing Alex Rins. With this announcement, only the Gresini Ducati seat occupied by Fabio di Giannantonio remains officially open for the 2024 MotoGP season, although KTM still needs to secure a place for Pedro Acosta.
As the rider lineups for the 2024 MotoGP season take shape, fans eagerly anticipate the battles and rivalries that will unfold on the track, promising an exciting and action-packed season ahead.
