Nakagami to stay at LCR Honda in MotoGP subsequent season posted in MotoGP News

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Nakagami’s future had been thrown into doubt amid a troublesome fifth season within the premier class aboard the troublesome 2022 iteration of the Honda RC213V.

The Japanese rider lies 16th within the standings forward of this weekend’s Aragon spherical with a pair of seventh-place finishes at Jerez and Le Mans standing as his finest outcomes of the season to date, albeit second of the Honda contingent behind Marc Marquez.

LCR’s second Idemitsu-sponsored bike had been tipped for a while to go to Ai Ogura, who rides for Honda Group Asia in Moto2 and at present lies second within the standings.

Nonetheless, it’s thought that Ogura was reluctant to make the step as much as MotoGP in 2023 in gentle of Honda’s present aggressive hunch within the high class.

Now LCR has confirmed Nakagami will keep on board for 2023 alongside the already-confirmed Alex Rins, who replaces Alex Marquez on the group.

“I’m very pleased to have the ability to proceed racing in MotoGP in 2023 with LCR Honda Idemitsu,” stated Nakagami. “I want to thank Idemitsu and Honda HRC for his or her steady help.

“I’m wanting ahead to the subsequent season, and I’ll give it every thing to realize one of the best outcomes with the group. In the meantime, for the remainder of this season, I’ll proceed to work onerous to enhance my efficiency.”

Group boss Lucio Cecchinello added: “We’re more than happy with this announcement, since 2020 Taka has proved to be a really quick rider in a position to combat for podium positions and this 12 months he has constantly fought to complete as the highest Honda rider.

“I belief in his potential and due to his six years of expertise using the Honda RCV213 motorcycle, he will certainly assist the LCR Honda Idemitsu Group and HRC to enhance our bike package deal and to shut the hole with our opponents.”

Ogura is anticipated to stay in Moto2 for one more season in 2023, regardless of solely trailing championship chief Augusto Fernandez by 4 factors.

Fernandez seems set to be the one rider transferring up from the intermediate class to MotoGP subsequent 12 months after touchdown a journey with the rebranded GasGas Tech 3 group.