The LCR Honda team today announced that they have agreed to extend their contract with Takaaki Nakagami through the 2019 season.
The Japanese rider will continue to race a satellite-spec Honda RC213V with the Idemitsu-backed part of the Italian team alongside Cal Crutchlow.
The anouncement was widely expected, as Nakagami has had a solid rookie season, and done more than enough to earn an added year.
Honda are keen to support a Japanese rider in MotoGP, as are Dorna, and Japanese lubricant firm Idemitsu are happy to help back that side of the garage.
Nakagami’s signing brings the total up to 21 riders who have now signed a MotoGP contract for 2019. The only rider left to be confirmed is Tito Rabat, who is expected to continue with the Avintia Ducati team.
“First of all I am really happy to continue with LCR Honda IDEMITSU Team in 2019,” said Nakagami in a press statement. “A big thank you goes to our sponsor IDEMITSU for its great support and of course to Honda HRC for believing in my skills and providing a competitive technical package.”
“This Team is very professional and I could not ask for more in my debut season in the premier class, so I am very happy to continue with Lucio and his crew. I can’t wait to start the new season but at the same time I am very focused on my home race in Motegi and the last races of this 2018 championship.”
Source: LCR Honda
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