Source: Supplied.

The LCR Honda Idemitsu MotoGP Team announced that Takaaki Nakagami has extended his contract with Honda HRC for the 2019 season, which will see the Japanese ace remain with the outfit for his second season in the premier class.

Piloting the Honda RC213V, the same bike he’ll use in 2019, Nakagami has currently amassed 18 championship points to position himself 20th in the championship rankings.

“First of all I am really happy to continue with LCR Honda Idemitsu Team in 2019,” Nakagami stated. “A big thank you goes to our sponsor Idemitsu for its great support and of course to Honda HRC for believing in my skills and providing a competitive technical package.

“This Team is very professional and I could not ask for more in my debut season in the premier class, so I am very happy to continue with Lucio and his crew. I can’t wait to start the new season but at the same time I am very focused on my home race in Motegi and the last races of this 2018 championship.”

This weekend’s Japanese grand prix at Twin Ring Motegi is the Honda rider’s home round of the championship, marking stop number 16 of 19.