Takaaki Nakagami given all-clear for Argentina MotoGP after all
The delay to proceedings for the Argentina MotoGP means Takaaki Nakagami will compete this weekend after all following a bout of COVID
Takaaki Nakagami will compete in this weekend’s Argentina MotoGP at the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit as intended after taking advantage of a delay to proceedings to get the all-clear from a bout of COVID.
On Thursday [31 March] the Japanese rider was originally ruled out of this weekend’s third round of the 2022 MotoGP World Championship after contracting COVID.
However, after Friday’s first and second free practice sessions in Argentina were pushed back to Saturday as a result of freight delays, Nakagami’s subsequent negative tests mean enough time will have elapsed between that and him getting on track.
As such, the LCR rider is en route to Argentina to take up his seat on the Honda RC213V, bolstering the manufacturer’s ranks in a week that has seen Marc Marquez forced out through injury.
“Early this week before flying to Argentina, Taka tested positive, but with high CT value which indicates low viral charge and he was asymptomatic,” a statement from LCR Honda said.
“It was decided, together with our medical consultant, to repeat the test every couple of days. Nakagami has now returned a number of negative tests and will be arriving to the paddock on Saturday morning in time for the beginning of track action as agreed with IRTA and DORNA.”
Nakagami - who is under pressure for a good result as Honda considers replacing him with up-and-coming countryman Ai Ogura for 2023 - has achieved a tenth and 19th place finish in the opening two rounds so far.
