Source: Supplied.

Katsuyuki Nakasuga will make a wildcard entry at his home grand prix in Japan for round 15 of the 2016 MotoGP World Championship scheduled to take place at the Twin Ring Motegi Circuit on 14-16 October.

Nakasuga, a six-time All-Japan Superbike Champion, will contest the event aboard a YZR-M1 for the Yamalube Yamaha Factory Racing Team. He’s coming off two consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours wins as well.

While his wildcard entry is predominately based around the development of the YZR-M1, the Japanese rider will use the event to gauge his ability against the world’s elite motorcycle racers.

“This year I’ll again be participating as part of my development duties with the M1, but I look at it as a once in a year chance to give my absolute maximum and test my skills against the world’s top riders,” Nakasuga explained. “Last year I was able to battle with my Suzuka 8-Hour teammates Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith in the race, and this year my goal is to be in a position to battle with those guys again.”

The Japanese round will mark the Yamaha rider’s seventh-career grand prix start, recording his best result at the Valencia GP in 2012 where he placed second on the podium.