Somkiat Chantra has secured a MotoGP ride with LCR Honda in 2025 after Takaaki Nakagami takes up development role with Honda.
Takaaki Nakagami –
IDEMITSU Honda LCR have announced that Takaaki Nakagami will leave the team at the end of the season, with the Japanese rider set to become an HRC Development Rider in 2025. After seven seasons of unwavering dedication and intense collaboration, Nakagami has decided to embark on a new chapter in his sporting career.
The upcoming races of 2024 will be the last with LCR, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of riders. From next year, Nakagami will be an HRC Test Rider in Japan, a role he will undoubtedly excel in. He will also closely follow the bike’s development in Europe.
His knowledge and experience, honed over seven seasons of intense collaboration, will be a valuable asset to the test team, as Nakagami’s professionalism, sensibility on the bike, and feedback will be instrumental in shaping the future of the HRC machines. He will also participate in some MotoGP races as a wildcard. IDEMITSU, Honda, and the LCR family can only express gratitude for Taka and wish him the best on his new adventure.
Lucio Cecchinello, Honda LCR Team Principal: “It’s not a goodbye, it’s a ‘see you very soon’! Our bond with Nakagami hasn’t finished; it’s just about to be transformed, as we will continue to see him inside the HRC MotoGP developing program. The past seven years have been significant for the LCR family. Taka is a great, fast rider and an amazing person, working with him has been an absolute pleasure.
“His politeness, kindness, and professionalism have meant a lot to all the LCR team members and HRC, and we’ll be forever grateful. From now on, his contribution to HRC will be fundamental, and I can’t wait to see him around. The whole MotoGP paddock respects and admires Taka, and this is something that goes beyond everything. Thanks for your job and your time with us, Taka!”
Takaaki Nakagami: “I’ve decided to end my career as a MotoGP rider at the end of the 2024 season. I want to express my sincere gratitude to all the fans who have warmly supported me. I would also like to thank IDEMITSU and HONDA for their long-term support. From 2025, I will be involved in the development of HRC machines.
“It is gratifying to make use of my seven years of experience at MotoGP; I’m excited about my new chapter. Finally, I want to thank Lucio and the whole LCR because I’ve felt like part of a family, and these years have been incredible with them; they will always be in my heart!”
Somkiat Chantra –
In 2018, the IDEMITSU MotoGP project was born with a noble mission to be the ultimate stepping stone for future Champions. It serves as a beacon of hope for young Asian riders, providing them with the platform to grow and learn at the highest level, after participating in the Asian Talent Cup and other classes on their road to MotoGP.
Today, IDEMITSU Honda LCR are thrilled to announce the next chapter of this solid journey. Thai rider Somkiat Chantra, a promising talent in the MotoGP world, will join forces with the IDEMITSU Honda LCR in 2025. This historic move marks Chantra as the first Thai rider to step into the MotoGP category, a momentous occasion for the sport. IDEMITSU, Honda, and the LCR family would like to welcome Chantra, awaiting a fantastic future together.
Lucio Cecchinello, Team Principal: “First, I would like to thank Takaaki Nakagami for his outstanding commitment during the past seven MotoGP seasons working together; we wish him the best in his next chapter with Honda. As for the future, alongside HRC, we believe that it’s time to welcome a great Asian talent such as Somkiat Chantra, as we think he deserves an opportunity at the highest level of the two-wheel competition.
“Through his years in Moto2, he’s shown potential and the skills to grow and become a strong rider in MotoGP. LCR and Honda will provide him with the best to support him over the different phases of this new project.”
Somkiat Chantra: “I’m excited to join the LCR team. Stepping into MotoGP has always been my dream, and I will finally make it true. I want to thank all the sponsors and people who have supported me from the beginning of my career until now. For the next season, I’m committed to learning, giving my maximum, and enjoying this new adventure. It will be difficult, but I will give my best.”
[Note: The story is as per press release]
