Nakagami: “It’s difficult to stop Franco”

Second podium of the season for the Japanese rider, who is aiming higher in Europe

Takaaki Nakagami (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) bounced back from a crash out of contention in Argentina to get back on the podium at the Circuit of the Americas, making it two out of three podiums so far in a positive start to the season.

Takaaki Nakagami, Idemitsu Honda Team Asia, Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas

Making a good start in Texas and then pushing to catch and pass Alex Marquez (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS), Nakagami didn’t quite have time to try and close on second-placed Tom Lüthi (CarXpert Interwetten) – but is now focused on Jerez and trying to stop ‘Fast Franco’ as the European season gets in gear.

Takaaki Nakagami, P3: “The race was quite tough but I got a really good start and I was behind the top group. I knew that Pasini was a bit dangerous, and after he crashed in front of me the race was a bit more smooth. It was difficult to overtake Alex, it took 2 or 3 laps, and after that I tried to recover and close the gap to Tom, but it was too late. This weekend my condition was not so good but I got another podium so it was a good finish. I’m looking forward to Europe, especially Jerez. I’m really happy with a third in Qatar, Argentina was a shame and then another podium here is good. It’s difficult to stop Franco but let’s try to in Europe!”