Moto2: Nakagami ‘determined to win’ at Silverstone

Honda Team Asia rider Takaaki Nakagami says he was determined to win Sunday’s British Grand Prix, after putting on an impressive show in Sunday’s Moto2 race as he cut his way through the field to take the lead and the win from championships leader Franco Morbidelli in the closing stages of the battle.

But, with a strong weekend under the belt of the 2018 MotoGP graduate, he says that the performance is only the start of a resurgence that he wants to carry forward to Misano in two weeks’ time.

TOP STORIES

• Looks can be deceptive
• First ride of the Suzuki DL250 V-Strom incoming
• Motorcycle yoga is a thing now
• MotoGP: Marquez down but not out after engine failure
• MotoGP: Rossi celebrates 300th race in style

“I was determined to win this race because I have just announced on last Sunday to move to the MotoGP class next year. Today, temperatures were higher than Friday and Saturday, so I held back at the beginning to see how the race would go. Then, I picked up the pace, took the lead, and finally managed to pull away. It was just amazing to achieve the first victory this season. I would like to thank my team and all the people who always support me even when I was struggling. For the next race, we will give our best to repeat this victory because Misano is a very special place for me.”

And with MotoGP looming for the Japanese rider next year – and reportedly already very fast on the RC213V after his initial tests on it – he says he’s looking forward to 2018 even more.

“It’s so exciting, and I’m really happy to move. I’ve already tested last year’s bike in December at Jerez – Honda agave me that opportunity for three days, and it was really exciting. Of course, it’s completely different, and I have to be a lot better, but the bike is amazing and I’m really excited about it.”

Have a browse for your next bike on MCN Bikes For Sale website or use the MCN’s Bikes For Sale App.