The MotoGP™ grid for the 2025 season is steadily taking shape, with the final pieces of the puzzle falling into place. Following Fabio Di Giannantonio's contract renewal with VR46 and Ducati for the next two seasons, Honda could be the next manufacturer to make a decisive move. With Luca Marini (Repsol Honda Team) and Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) already secured for the upcoming season, Honda further solidified its lineup by extending Joan Mir's (Repsol Honda Team) contract through 2026 during the summer break. Now, the last remaining piece for LCR Honda's roster is yet to be decided.
Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) is in his seventh MotoGP™ season, all of which he has spent with the same team. While his contract expires at the end of this season, his name remains a contender, though several other candidates have emerged in recent weeks. To shed light on this situation, DAZN sought the insights of LCR Honda's Team Principal, Lucio Cecchinello.
In an interview during FP2 at the recent Monster Energy British Grand Prix, Cecchinello openly discussed the matter. Moto2™’s Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) was among the names discussed, despite currently appearing close to a deal with Aprilia. Also mentioned were Nakagami and Thai rider Somkiat Chantra (Honda Team Asia), who has made a strong impression in the intermediate class this year.
"Ogura was Honda HRC's number one option, and now I know they are dealing with Nakagami and are talking to Chantra," he revealed to DAZN, before outlining the plan: "Normally, the rider who will take this spot should be Nakagami or an Asian rider."
A decision is expected to be made soon, with Cecchinello confirming as much, saying it will be made “between now and the next Grand Prix," which will take place at the Red Bull Ring from August 16 to 18.