MotoGP grid for the 2025 season is nearing completion, with key developments shaping the lineups. Fabio Di Giannantonio has renewed his contract with VR46 and Ducati for the next two seasons, and Honda is expected to finalize its roster soon.
Honda has already secured Luca Marini for the Repsol Honda Team, Johann Zarco for CASTROL Honda LCR, and extended Joan Mir’s contract with Repsol Honda through 2026.
However, the final spot at LCR Honda remains undecided. Takaaki Nakagami, who has spent all seven of his MotoGP seasons with IDEMITSU Honda LCR, is in the mix for a renewal as his contract expires at the end of this season. Several other candidates are also being considered, including Moto2’s Ai Ogura and Thai rider Somkiat Chantra, both of whom have caught Honda’s attention.
In an interview during FP2 at the Monster Energy British Grand Prix, LCR Honda’s Team Principal Lucio Cecchinello discussed the possibilities. Although Ogura was initially Honda HRC’s top choice, negotiations are ongoing with both Nakagami and Chantra. Cecchinello hinted that the rider to fill the spot will likely be either Nakagami or another Asian rider. A final decision is expected before the next Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring, set for August 16 to 18.
Credit Photo : Bay Ismoyo/AFP
