Japanese MotoGP star Taka Nakagami has extended his deal with Honda for a year and will ride for the LCR team until the end of 2020.

Nakagami had been holding out for the latest-spec RC213V to be written into his contract before he signed but, in true HRC style, it isn’t mentioned in the announcement.

“First of all I am delighted to stay with Honda and the LCR Team. I have been able to improve a lot this year and Honda have shown me great support and given me a very strong package, I am sure together we can continue this in 2020,” said Nakagami.

After this weekend’s action at Motegi, Nakagami will undergo surgery on the shoulder he injured at Assen, so will miss the end of the season. No mention of a replacement has been forthcoming but it is rumoured to be Johan Zarco.

“About the injury, after the crash I had in Assen I found myself in some pain and lacking a bit of strength in my shoulder. I went to the doctor to fully understand the situation and while I have been able to ride with the injury, it has not been ideal so we made the difficult decision alongside Honda and the LCR Team to have this operation now.”