---
title: "Nakagami to make MotoGP debut with LCR in 2018"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2017/08/20/nakagami-make-motogp-debut-lcr-2018/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Lewis Duncan"
section: "MotoGP News"
published: "2017-08-20T08:42:54Z"
modified: "2017-08-20T08:43:22Z"
---

# Nakagami to make MotoGP debut with LCR in 2018

Takaaki Nakagami will make his MotoGP debut in 2018 after penning a factory deal with Honda to join the satellite LCR team alongside Cal Crutchlow.

The Japanese rider’s promotion to the premier class with Lucio Cecchinello’s team has been long rumoured as the squad looked to expand to a two-bike effort in 2018.

![Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/08/800780922.jpg)

It was initially stipulated that Nakagami had to finish in the top three of the Moto2 class this year, but after a mixed season so far this soon changed.

Nakagami – who has 12 podiums and a race win to his credit in Moto2 – will become the first full-time Japanese rider in MotoGP since Hiroshi Aoyama rode for the Aspar team in 2015.

“Since riding a pocket bike when I was four years old, I have always aimed to compete with the world’s best,” said Nakagami.

“This opportunity has become real thanks to all of my associates and fans.

“There are still seven Moto2 races left this season, including the Japanese Grand Prix.

“I will be concentrating on these races, while gaining the abilities I need for next year. I hope everyone will continue to support me the way they have up to now.”

![Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/08/826688254.jpg)

With Dorna increasing its push to find more talent from the region with the Asia Talent Cup in recent years, HRC President Yoshishge Nomura hopes Nakagami’s promotion to the premier class will serve as inspiration for upcoming riders from Asia.

“Nakagami continues his journey into 2018 as an HRC contract rider, and using his passion and riding skills to their fullest, will undoubtedly become a rider that the younger generation from Japan, and the Asia region, will aspire to be like,” said Nomura.

“I believe his dreams will drive him to become a top-class rider who will impress many fans.”

Nakagami currently lies seventh in the Moto2 standings on 79 points, 128 adrift of championship leader Franco Morbidelli, with a best result of third at the Qatar, Americas and Dutch Grands Prix.

With LCR securing Nakagami for 2018, only four bikes remain up for grabs. It is expected the second seat at Aspar will continue to be filled by Karel Abraham, while ousted Aprilia man Sam Lowes and Honda World Superbike rider Stefan Bradl are in frame for the vacant Marc VDS ride.

Avintia has several names in contention for its seats, with one-time Moto2 race winner Xavier Simeon, Tito Rabat, Mika Kallio, Loris Baz and Hector Barbera all possibilities, though it is thought the latter could be off to WorldSBK next year.