Honda Racing Corporation has announced that Development Rider Takaaki Nakagami will compete as a wildcard at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, Round 16 of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship, taking place from 1–4 October at Mobility Resort Motegi.
Nakagami, a 33-year-old Japanese from Chiba, first made his mark in motorcycle racing by winning every race on his way to the GP125 class title in the All Japan Road Race Championship at the age of 14. After claiming two victories in Moto2, he stepped up to the premier class in 2018, where he competed for seven consecutive seasons through to the end of 2024 as part of the LCR Honda satellite team. Since 2025, he has served as an HRC Development Rider, working on the evolution of the new 850cc RC213V.
"I am very pleased to have the opportunity to compete in the Grand Prix of Japan as a wild-card rider," Nakagami said. "This event provides a valuable opportunity to evaluate the progress we have made through testing under race conditions. Racing in front of the Japanese fans at my home Grand Prix makes this occasion even more special."
Nakagami's appearance at Motegi could carry historic significance. The revised MotoGP regulations, coming into effect in 2027, will abolish wildcard entries altogether. With the remaining overseas rounds in Indonesia, Australia, and Malaysia unlikely to field wildcard riders and the Qatar Grand Prix still uncertain, Nakagami's ride for Honda in October could be the last traditional wildcard in MotoGP history.
Last year, Nakagami already ran as a wildcard for Honda at Motegi with mixed results — finishing 14th in the sprint ahead of several full-time riders before crashing out of the main race. Since then, with teammate Aleix Espargaro sidelined by injury, Nakagami has shouldered Honda's testing programme solo, focusing on refining the machine for the new 850cc era.
The Motul Grand Prix of Japan takes place from 1–4 October 2026 at Mobility Resort Motegi.
Sources
- [motogp.com — Nakagami to wildcard at Motegi](https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2026/07/22/nakagami-to-wildcard-at-motegi/1079312)
- [Speedweek — Honda test rider Nakagami confirmed for Motegi wildcard](https://www.speedweek.com/a/motogp/heimspiel-bestaetigt-honda-testfahrer-taka-nakagami-mit-wildcard-in-motegi)
