NAKAGAMI THROUGH TO Q2 AT MOTEGI

LCR Honda IDEMITSU rider Takaaki Nakagami put on a show for his home fans on Saturday as he progressed to Q2 at the Japanese Grand Prix. The local hero eventually claimed 12^th position on the grid and will start Sunday’s race at the Twin Ring Motegi from the fourth row of the grid.

Although he finished in 16^th position in both FP3 and FP4, Taka was never far off the top ten and saved his best until last in Q1 with a flying final lap which saw him snatch the second spot in Q2. Although a front brake issue then undermined his efforts, the 26-year-old was satisfied with his performance in front of his passionate home support.

#35 TAKA NAKAGAMI  – (12^TH –  1’46.168)

“Qualifying was a little bit tough. At the last minute in Q1 I did a great lap and I was really happy to go into Q2 in front of all my fans, so overall it was a good qualifying. Unfortunately in Q2 we had a problem with the front brakes and I was a bit disappointed with my lap times as we couldn’t really show our potential. But it was a good Saturday and I’m really looking forward to the race. I will do the maximum in front of my fans and will try to enjoy it. Let’s do it!”