Yesterday the announcement of his renewal at Honda and the certainty that he would have a factory motorcycle for next year, today the best time in free practice: The weekend has got off to a great start for Takaaki Nakagami. The Japanese from the LCR team has not made it onto the podium this year, but the standings say he is still fighting for the World Cup, 29 points behind Mir.
“Before every race I say that I want my first podium, but I haven’t managed to get it yet – Taka smiled – But I’m still in the running for the championship because regularity is important this season. So far I am satisfied and I believe the results will come. I am confident for this weekend yesterday came the announcement of my renewal and my head is completely free, no stress. I feel like a kid, I’m having fun like a kid with this bike and it’s time to aim for the podium. I just have to do my best for that ”.
Today 4 Hondas were in the top 11, what happened?
“A lot of people ask me, but there is no secret. I started FP1 with the setup from last Sunday, tried the middle tire on the rear and managed to keep a good pace, we are on the right track. I also drove a good time with the soft, but I think we can still improve on the flying lap, especially in terms of electronics. But I don’t forget the Yamahas and the Suzukis or even Miller, they all know how to be very fast in qualifying. “
Last Sunday you saw that Alex Marquez was able to hold tighter lines than you, did you understand how he did it?
“I looked at his data, but you can’t see the trajectories from there (laughs). He manages to bring more speed into the corners, but that’s also due to his driving style. It’s harder for me, I could do it in qualifying, but I think if I tried in the race it would put more stress on the tires and from that point of view I’m a bit worried. I have to find my way around, also because I ride a different bike and set-up than his. “
Has your Honda got any updates in the last few races?
“There have been some developments, but the chassis is exactly the same, I just have new suspension. About everything, I understood how to ride it, I changed my riding style and tried to adapt to the bike, that’s all, there is no secret. If I have to sum up: It was more me who adapted to the bike than the other way around.
You talked about suspension: you are using the new Öhlins monoshock …
“From this weekend on both wheels. In the last one I didn’t really understand it, but today I only felt positive aspects. It makes the stern more stable, the wheel bounces less and the slide is smoother. There isn’t much of a difference on the flying lap, but it’s a little help in the race ”.
Does the Honda make it easier to drive?
“A lot of riders say that my bike, the 2019, isn’t the easiest, and that’s true, but if you get the most out of it, it has great potential. I agree with Alex Marquez when he says you have to give 100% in every area, when you relax it’s easy to fall or be slow. IIt’s not easy to stay focused for 40 minutes, but I like to drive it. “
Crutchlow tried the hard rear tire today, are you thinking about that too?
“If the temperatures are higher tomorrow, I will do it, I think in FP4. I would like to try this option up front, because we are somewhat at the limit with this medium. I would like to understand if it is possible to use it.