LCR Honda presents 2022 MotoGP livery for Takaaki Nakagami

LCR Honda have officially unveiled its 2022 MotoGP colours for Takaaki Nakagami ahead of his fifth season in the premier class. 

Nakagami’s new LCR Honda features a brand new satin black paint scheme, while also keeping the traditional red and white of main sponsor Idemitsu. 

Nakagami, who has been with LCR Honda since making his MotoGP debut in 2018, remains without a podium finish, which is one of the reasons why the Japanese rider has elected to employ a mental coach for 2022. 

While it’s still early days regarding the impact his mental coach is able to have, Nakagami has already altered some of his training patterns with less than a month to go before round one at Losail, Qatar.

Speaking after his 2022 bike launch, Nakagami said: "At the moment we just started, also he doesn’t really know about MotoGP. First thing that I explained to him was about MotoGP and why I need a stronger mentality. 

"I explained the problem I’ve had and although he doesn’t know too much about MotoGP, he has taken care of many athletes in many sports. 

"For example Golf, Tennis and Football. So first thing I did was explain to him the problem that isn’t strong enough and that I want to be more competitive in certain areas. 

"He gave me some examples about the training and now I’m doing some different things." 

Nakagami, who celebrates his 30th birthday today, had his 2022 LCR Honda livery presented shortly after second-year team-mate Alex Marquez, who is once again heavily backed by Castrol for the upcoming year.

Nakagami was quickest of the two LCR Honda riders during last weekend’s Sepang MotoGP test as finished 13th as opposed to Marquez’ 17th place. 

Both Nakagami and Marquez will be back in action this weekend as MotoGP heads to Mandalika for the final pre-season test of 2022, also the first appearance for MotoGP at the new Indonesian circuit.