Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has announced that Development Rider Takaaki Nakagami will compete as a wild card in Round 16 of the MotoGP World Championship, the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, at Mobility Resort Motegi.
The Japanese rider first 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 claiming two Moto2 victories, Nakagami stepped up to the MotoGP class in 2018, where he competed for seven consecutive seasons through to the end of 2024. Since 2025, he has served as an HRC Development Rider.
"I am very pleased to have the opportunity to compete in the Grand Prix of Japan as a wild-card rider. This event provides a valuable opportunity to evaluate the progress we have made through testing under race conditions," said Nakagami. "Racing in front of the Japanese fans at my home Grand Prix makes this occasion even more special."
The Motul Grand Prix of Japan takes place from 1–4 October at Mobility Resort Motegi.