FIRST LOOK: Takaaki Nakagami's 2021 Idemitsu LCR livery

After his best season as a MotoGP rider, Takaaki Nakagami stays in familiar Idemitsu LCR colours but has been upgraded to the latest Honda machinery for 2021.

Following Marc Marquez's injury, the Japanese finished as Honda's top rider with tenth place in the world championship, claiming a first MotoGP pole position along the way.

But hopes of a debut podium were repeatedly thwarted, most notably when he fell while leading on lap 1 at Aragon, and he has vowed to deal with the pressure better this season and capitalise on his proven speed.

"I'm really excited to have the latest bike," Nakagami said. "I want to say thanks for this opportunity. I hope to give podiums and maybe even victories to Lucio."

A frontrunner in Moto2, Nakagami made his MotoGP debut with LCR in 2018, progressing from 20th in the world championship in his rookie season, to 13th and then the 10th overall last year.

Until now, Nakagami has always been using year-old machinery, but he made a clear step forward in response to extra HRC support after Marc Marquez was injured last year, convincing Honda to provide him with the latest bike for 2021.

"Taka made a big step forward last year, also with the support of HRC, showing the potential to fight for the podium and even victory," said team boss Lucio Cecchinello.

"Thisyear Taka has the same bike as the other Honda riders for the first time and I'm sure he has the potential to stay with the top riders and bring more podiums to LCR."

Alex Marquez is moving from Repsol Honda to ride alongside Nakagami this season, in place of Cal Crutchlow. Marquez will also ride a 2021-spec Honda.