The Japanese Grand Prix was marked by a particularly emotional moment for Takaaki Nakagami. This last home Grand Prix for the Japanese driver was an opportunity to feel all the love and support from his fans, while marking the end of an era. The LCR Honda driver knew how to take advantage of his audience and offer a great performance.
Takaaki Nakagami experienced a particularly moving moment during his home Grand Prix at
Motegiwhich was the last of his career as a licensed pilot
Honda in MotoGP. The Japanese driver, whose future is that of an HRC test driver, leaving his place to
Somkiat Chantra for 2025, finished the race in 13th position, gaining some important points. But beyond the result, it is above all the atmosphere and the support of the fans which marked this day for Nakagami.
After the race, Takaaki Nakagami shared his emotions: “it was very good. The race itself was good too. I did my best until the end. With two more laps, I might have been able to catch up with the group in front of me ” he said, referring to the pilots as Fabio Quartararo,
Johann Zarco, Jack Miller et Aleix Espargaró who were slightly ahead of him.
Nakagamidespite a calm race, expressed his pride: “ I am very proud of myselfit was a good race. »
Takaaki Nakagami: « It was very moving and I cried a little »
But what particularly stood out Nakagamithis is the emotion felt during the lap of honor. Seeing the fans in the stands, he realized that this moment could be his last with his home crowd: “ it was very moving. After the checkered flag, it was a very nice feeling during the victory lap. I saw the fans in every corner and I said to myself: ok, maybe this is the last time. It was a very special Sunday for me. »
The Japanese driver admitted to having shed a few tears, not on the track, but when returning to the pits and seeing his team: “ not during the victory lap, but when I came back to the pits and saw my team and everyone, it was very emotional and I cried a little. »
For this race, Nakagami took a risk by opting for a soft rear tirea strategy that ultimately paid off: “ I was at the back of the grid, in 21st place, and I had nothing to lose. It was a risk, but ultimately, it was a good decision
“, he confided. The pilot Honda was able to fight his way through the peloton and finish on a positive note, while savoring his final moment with the Japanese fans who have supported him throughout his career.
MotoGP, Japan J3: classification
