Somkiat Chantra to Replace Nakagami in Honda’s 2025 MotoGP Line-Up
LCR Honda has announced Somkiat Chantra's step-up to the MotoGP class in 2025, The Thai will replace long-time team member…
Takaakin Nakagami was forced to retire from the Malaysian Grand Pric race after encountering intensifying rear-end vibrations in Sepang. “I had vibrations at the rear of the bike that were getting stronger and stronger,” Nakagami shared.
“Before the sprint race, the vibrations were acceptable; they were noticeable in some corners but not crazy. But in the sprint itself, then in the warm-up and finally in the main race, the rattling became more and more severe.”
As the weekend progressed, these vibrations grew more intense, to the point that Nakagami felt forced to stop the bike in the race. “I thought: I’m getting more and more scared to stay on the bike. That’s why I decided to stop,” he explained.
Nakagami’s experience wasn’t an isolated case. Honda’s other riders reportedly felt similar rear-end instability throughout the race.
“All the Honda riders, including those with the new chassis, complained about vibrations at Sepang. Only with Johann Zarco were they halfway acceptable.”
Nakagami hopes for a better race weekend at the final race of the season in Montmelo – after all, it will be his last in the premier class.
“It will be the last 3 days for me as a full-time MotoGP rider. I will do my best and try everything to at least enjoy riding there.”
“It’s a track where I feel comfortable riding, even though Honda is not particularly strong there. We will try to improve the balance of the bike and reduce these crazy vibrations. In Barcelona, I will also get the new chassis that the others are already using. Let’s wait and see.”
The Japanese hopes that different climate in Barcelona will offer a fresh start for Honda. Fortunately, the Montmeló circuit has a completely different character, and the temperatures and tyre allocation will also be completely different. We are starting from scratch.”
