Moto2 star Taka Nakagami has this morning been confirmed as the second rider in Lucio Cechinello’s LCR Honda MotoGP team for 2018.
The Japanese star has been rumoured to be making the jump to lightspeed for several weeks now as Honda want to see one of its countrymen competing in the blue riband class. He will partner Britain’s Cal Crutchlow in the team.
“Since riding a pocket bike when I was four years old, I have always aimed to compete with the world’s best. This opportunity has become real thanks to all of my associates and fans. There are still seven Moto2 races left this season, including the Japanese Grand Prix. I’ll be concentrating on these races, while gaining the abilities I need for next year. I hope everyone will continue to support me the way they have up to now,” said Nakagami.
Nakagami will be under an HRC contract which has made the deal possible as the corporation will take care of his wages in the same way they will be responsible for paying Crutchlow in 2018, so Cechinello doesn't have to find budget for rider salary.
There are now only four seats offically left next season although it is believed Karel Abraham has re-signed for Aspar and Tito Rabat has completed a move to Avintia Ducati, leaving the second Avintia ride and the spare Marc VDS chair unclaimed so far. It is thought Sam Lowes and Stefan Bradl are vying for that while the Avintia berth could go to Xavier Simeon as he has the backing of Belgian TV.
