As the main sponsor of LCR Honda IDEMITSU, Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer: Shunichi Kito; hereinafter referred to as “Idemitsu”) will support Takaaki Nakagami, who competes in MotoGP, the world’s premier motorcycle road racing championship.
Takaaki Nakagami with Shunichi Kito, the Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of Idemitsu
As a supporter of the concept of “From Asia to The World” promoted by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. for motorsports, Idemitsu has served as a sponsor of the FIM*1 Grand Prix World Championships (MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3) and the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup*2 and has provided backups for young riders who compete in world events.
Nakagami, who has a knack for speed, came fourth in the 2021 Spain GP (Round 4), just missing the podium. Expectations are high that he will win his maiden title in the 2022 season, which will be his fifth year in the premier MotoGP class.
Idemitsu continues to support him going forward and will help other young riders develop their talent to the world level.
*1 Abbreviation for the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme.
*2 A category in which Asian young riders participate with an eye toward world races. Now, many of the past champions of this cup are active in Moto2 and Moto3 classes of MotoGP.
【Reference】
・Rider Takaaki Nakagami’s profile
Born in Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, on February 9, 1992, he started racing on pocket bikes and mini bikes when he was a child. After competing in all-Japan championships, he made his debut in 125cc road racing world championships in 2008.
He joined IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia in 2014. He finished in the top three nine times, including two victories, during the time until 2017.
Since 2018, he has competed in the premier MotoGP class events as a LCR Honda IDEMITSU rider.
