Tough finale for Taka – DNF at the #ValenciaGP

Takaaki Nakagami was unable to finish the 2021 MotoGP World Championship on a high as he slid out in the early stages on the season-ending Valencia Grand Prix. The LCR Honda IDEMITSU rider had shown good speed all weekend at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, but couldn’t translate that promise into a positive result in the final round of the year.

Having topped FP4 on Saturday, Taka again underlined his pace by going second fastest in Sunday’s warm-up session. In the race itself, he lost places in the drag to the first corner, but fought back strongly to sit 11th at the end of the opening lap. However, as he pushed to pass Valentino Rossi on lap five, he lost the front end of his Honda at turn six.

Takaaki Nakagami

Unfortunately, I had a crash during the race. I’m really sorry to all my team and sponsors, it’s been a tough season. Here in Valencia we had a good weekend, I crashed in the race, but I’m happy about our speed. Next weekend we have the Jerez test for 2022 and we’re really looking forward to developing Honda’s bike for next season. Also, I want to say congratulations to Valentino (Rossi) for his career and the best of luck for the future.