HRC Development Rider Takaaki Nakagami to Race at the MotoGP Grand Prix of Japan as a Wild Card

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has announced that HRC Development Rider Takaaki Nakagami will compete as a wild-card rider in the MotoGP class at Round 16 of the 2026 FIM* MotoGP World Championship, the MOTUL Grand Prix of Japan. The race will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Mobility Resort Motegi in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

Born in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, Nakagami made his mark at the age of 14 by winning every race on his way to the GP125 class title in the All Japan Road Race Championship. He subsequently progressed to the FIM Road Racing World Championship.

After recording two victories in the Moto2 class, Nakagami stepped up to the premier MotoGP class in 2018. He competed full-time in MotoGP for seven consecutive seasons from 2018 through 2024. Since 2025, he has served as an HRC Development Rider, contributing to the development of Honda’s MotoGP machine.

^{*FIM: Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme}

Takaaki Nakagami – HRC Development Rider

“I am very pleased to have the opportunity to compete in the Grand Prix of Japan as a wild-card rider. I am currently focused on the development of Honda’s MotoGP machine in my role as an HRC Development Rider, and this event provides a valuable opportunity to evaluate under race conditions the progress we have made through testing.

Racing in front of the Japanese fans at my home Grand Prix makes this occasion even more special. Throughout the weekend, my goal will be to gather as much useful data as possible and contribute to further improving the competitiveness of Honda’s MotoGP machine.”