After Aleix Espargaro's recent appearance at the Spanish Grand Prix, it is now Takaaki Nakagami’s turn to make a special return. As the now test rider will race once again, and this time he will wear the Honda HRC Test Team colors at the Grand Prix of France in Le Mans.

Nakagami raced full-time in MotoGP from 2018 to 2024, and spent seven seasons with the LCR Honda team. And in 2025, he took a new role as a trusted test rider for Honda, helping the team develop and improve their bike under MotoGP’s updated concession rules. These rules allow struggling manufacturers more testing time and technical freedom, and Honda is using this opportunity to boost their performance.

Now, after some private testing sessions, Nakagami is ready to compete again. His last race was the Solidarity Grand Prix in November 2024, which will make the French Grand Prix his first official return to racing in almost six months.

Nakagami was recently on track at the post-race test in Jerez, where he completed an impressive 62 laps. This was part of his preparation to return to racing. He will now line up once more with the best riders at the famous Le Mans circuit, a place where he has had good results.

So fans can expect a warm welcome for Nakagami, especially from Honda supporters, as he will bring his experience and knowledge back to the grid.