DEMANDING FIRST OUTING FOR TAKA IN BRNO
LCR Honda IDEMITSU rider Takaaki Nakagami admitted it had proved a struggle to readapt to his MotoGP machinery on the opening day of free practice for the Czech Republic Grand Prix. The Japanese talent resumed LCR duties in Brno after claiming a second place finish for HRC at the Suzuka 8-Hour race last Sunday.
However, Nakagami conceded his exploits in Japan had affected him on Friday as he suffered from jetlag and also took time to readjust to his RC213V. The 26-year-old was 16th in the morning’s FP1 session, but could only muster 21st spot in the afternoon as scorching conditions on the Brno track took their toll.
#30 Takaaki Nakagami (21st – 1’57.647)
“I have some jetlag so my physical condition isn’t perfect, I’m just a little bit tired. The feeling of the bike is a complete change because there is so much difference between a Superbike and MotoGP bike. It might take a little time and we might need to check the data again, but we will try to adapt”.“I’m completely not happy (with the first half of the MotoGP season). Race by race – sometimes in qualifying, sometimes in practice and sometimes in the race – we are improving, but the last four races unfortunately I couldn’t get any points. I’m feeling more confident with each race, but the results are not what I expect. From now, the races are important for next season and it’s also important to challenge for Rookie of the Year.”
