Takaaki Nakagami returns to MotoGP as Honda wildcard at Motegi

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has confirmed that Takaaki Nakagami will return to MotoGP as a wildcard rider at the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix at Mobility Resort Motegi.

The race weekend will take place from 2 to 4 October and will be one of the biggest events of the season for Japanese fans. It will also be Nakagami's first MotoGP race of 2026.

Nakagami is one of Japan's most successful motorcycle racers. He first became well known after winning every race on his way to the GP125 title in the All Japan Road Race Championship when he was only 14 years old. He later moved to the Moto2 World Championship, where he won two races before joining MotoGP in 2018.

The Japanese rider spent seven full seasons in the premier class before retiring from full-time racing at the end of the 2024 season. Since 2025, he has worked as Honda Racing Corporation's development rider, helping to test and improve the company's MotoGP bike.

This will not be Nakagami's first wildcard appearance. Since becoming a test rider, he has already raced twice as a wildcard for Honda. His best result came at the French Grand Prix, where he finished in an impressive sixth place. He also competed at Motegi as a wildcard last year, but was unable to finish the main race.

Nakagami said he is excited to race in front of his home fans once again.

"I am very pleased to have the opportunity to compete in the Grand Prix of Japan as a wildcard rider. I am currently focused on developing Honda's MotoGP machine, and this race gives us a valuable chance to test our progress in real racing conditions. Racing in front of the Japanese fans at my home Grand Prix makes this occasion even more special."

He added that his main aim will be to collect as much useful information as possible to help Honda continue improving its MotoGP bike.

The Japanese Grand Prix is an important event for Honda, with the race taking place at the company's home circuit. The weekend will also begin a busy period in Asia, as the MotoGP paddock travels straight to Indonesia for the following round.

Nakagami's return could also have extra historical importance. MotoGP wildcard entries are expected to disappear from the championship when the new technical regulations begin in 2027. That means this season could include some of the final wildcard appearances of the current 1,000cc MotoGP era.

Honda will hope Nakagami's experience, together with the data collected during the race weekend, will help the factory continue improving its bike as development continues ahead of the sport's new era.