P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Taka Nakagami might be stepping back from a full-time MotoGP seat, but in his new role as a Honda test rider he’ll be able to do something none of the other development riders can
Honda has a disconnect between its European and Japanese bases in MotoGP, with the race team and development work carried out in different locations. However, the latest contract decision involving Taka Nakagami might provide the perfect bridge between the two for Honda to enhance its competitive performance. Nakagami, a seven-year MotoGP rider, will transition from riding to joining Honda’s test and development structure in Europe alongside Stefan Bradl. He aims to serve as a translator and intermediary between Honda’s Japanese engineers and the Spanish race team, addressing the existing communication gap. Nakagami believes his Japanese nationality and racing experience uniquely qualify him to facilitate faster development and collaboration between the different branches of Honda Racing Corporation. Additionally, Honda is set to bolster its development efforts by potentially hiring former Ducati and KTM senior engineer Fabiano Sterlacchini to improve the performance of the troubled RC213V bike.
