Honda Racing Corporation have confirmed that test rider Takaaki Nakagami will compete as a wildcard entry at Round 16 of the 2026 MotoGP season at Mobility Resort Motegi in Japan. His appearance could carry historic significance — it may be the last wildcard entry in MotoGP history.
The Japanese rider, who retired from full-time racing at the end of 2025 after eight seasons with the LCR Honda team, now serves as an HRC test rider. Nakagami will ride a fifth Honda RC213V in its 1000cc specification.
"I am very happy to have the opportunity to start as a wildcard rider at the Japanese Grand Prix," Nakagami said. "I am currently focusing on the development of the MotoGP machine in my role as an HRC development rider, and this event offers me a valuable opportunity to evaluate the progress we have made during testing under race conditions."
Nakagami knows the home circuit well, having raced regularly at Motegi from 2018 to 2025. His previous wildcard appearance in 2025 yielded mixed results: 14th in the Sprint (ahead of several full-time riders) and a crash in the main race.
Since retiring, Nakagami has focused on developing the new 850cc Honda for 2027, assisted in recent outings by team-mate Aleix Espargaro, who has been sidelined through injury.
The 2027 MotoGP regulations ban wildcard entries entirely, and no other wildcard appearances are expected at the remaining rounds in Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia, Qatar, or the European finales at Portimao and Valencia. If no other manufacturer activates an additional rider, Nakagami's Motegi appearance will be the last wildcard in MotoGP history.
Sources
- https://www.speedweek.com/a/motogp/heimspiel-bestaetigt-honda-testfahrer-taka-nakagami-mit-wildcard-in-motegi/
