Takaaki Nakagami will graduate to MotoGP next season after LCR Honda confirmed that it will expand to a two-bike team to accommodate the 25-year-old.
Nakagami had been linked to LCR in recent months and it was duly confirmed on Sunday that the Japanese racer will step up to the premier class for 2018.
It will mark only the second time in LCR’s history that it has run two bikes full-time in MotoGP, having previously fielded Cal Crutchlow and Jack Miller in 2015.
“Since riding a pocket bike when I was four years old, I have always aimed to compete with the world’s best,” said Nakagami.
“This opportunity has become real thanks to all of my associates and fans. There are still seven Moto2 races left this season, including the Japanese Grand Prix.
“I’ll be concentrating on these races, while gaining the abilities I need for next year. I hope everyone will continue to support me the way they have up to now.”
Nakagami holds seventh position in this year’s Moto2 championship, his sixth season in the secondary division.
His sole victory came in last season’s Dutch TT.
Nakagami will link up with the experienced Crutchlow at the Honda-affiliated outfit.
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