MotoGP: Takaaki Nakagami to Race with Honda as Wildcard for French GP
Nakagami tested Honda's RC213V at MotoGP Jerez Test. Now, his Le Mans wildcard in the French GP will give HRC vital race data to boost development.
By Divyam Dubey
Takaaki Nakagami will make a wildcard appearance for Honda at the upcoming MotoGP French Grand Prix. This will be his first race since the 2024 Solidarity GP, marking his return to competitive action after stepping into a test rider role with HRC. Nakagami made his MotoGP debut in 2018 with LCR Honda and competed in the premier class for seven full seasons. He consistently finished inside the top 10 and recorded three fourth-place finishes but never secured a podium. For the 2025 season, LCR opted for a new rider lineup with Ai Ogura and Somkiat Chantra, which led Nakagami to shift into a testing role.
Honda is using its MotoGP concession status to maximise development efforts this year. Nakagami's return follows Aleix Espargaro’s wildcard entry at the Spanish GP, where the former Aprilia rider made his HRC debut and finished 14th before a tyre-related penalty. Under concession rules, Honda can use up to six wildcards during the 2025 season.
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In the social post, Honda said: 'Another set of hands to help out on our journey back to the top! Takaaki Nakagami and the Honda HRC Test Team will be on track at the French GP for the second wildcard of the season. Maximum effort from everyone involved.'
Nakagami recently took part in the in-season Jerez test, helping Honda refine its RC213V. His upcoming race at Le Mans offers a chance to gather more data and feedback crucial to development. It also revives his competitive ambitions, with further wildcard appearances possible at post-race tests in Aragon and Misano.
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His performance at Le Mans could influence Honda’s strategic direction for the rest of the season, offering insights from both a technical and rider feedback perspective.
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