In Conversation With LCR Honda Idemitsu's Takaaki Nakagami, Idemitsu’s MotoGP Contest, And More

Idemitsu lubricants had launched a Social Media contest for motorsport fans alongside the inaugural MotoGP India. The Social Media contest consisted of four rounds of questions where contestants with the right answers got a chance to win prizes like Idemitsu High Performance Motorcycle Engine Oil for up to 4 Rounds of service in a year and Idemitsu Merchandise. One lucky winner got a chance to enjoy the 1-day Idemitsu Experience through the luxurious corporate box grandstand tour at 2023 IndianGP and also got a chance to meet the MotoGP racer Takaaki Nakagami.

LCR Honda Idemitsu Takaaki Nakagami’s message for India:

In the video conversation with LCR Honda Idemitsu's Takaaki Nakagami and Idemitsu Lube India Deputy Managing Director Akira Kitagawa, PowerDrift host Varun Painter discusses a variety of topics such as the first edition of the BharatGP, Takaaki's inspirations and influences all the way up to Idemitsu's high-performance IRG7 engine oil and the story behind it. 

Nakagami shared an inspiring message for MotoGP fans in India. The Japanese rider said to first have a dream and then work towards it. Work for your dream and have a never give up attitude. There will be difficult moments, all you need to do is stay strong and remind oneself of their end goal. He also said to stay consistent and keep pushing. 

Highlights from MotoGP India:

The inaugural MotoGP India was won by Marco Bezzecchi, who started the race from pole position. Meanwhile Jorge Martin came in second while the final podium position was secured by Fabio Quartararo. World champion Francesco Bagnaia meanwhile had to drop out of the race due to a crash. While Bezzecchi started in the pole position, he found himself 3rd just after the start behind Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin. But, Bezzecchi managed to take over the lead in just two laps. Once at the lead, he continued all the way to the chequered flag. 

On lap three, Martin made a move on Bagnia. However, over the course of the race, Bagnia crashed out. Now, Bagnia is just 13 points ahead in the World Championship. Martin put on a good show but was definitely struggling towards the end of the race. The hot weather conditions made Martin struggle with the tyres as well. At one point, Quartararo caught up and even overtook Martin, but Martin managed to claw back his position. 

Joan Mir and Marc Marquez started in P5 and P6 but Marquez crashed out on the fifth lap of the race. Meanwhile Mir came in 5th after fighting with Brad Binderwho came in fourth. Johann Zarco came sixth while Franco Morbidelli finished in 7th place. Maverick Vinales came in 8th place. Marquez was classified as ninth while Raul Fernandez rounded up the top 10. LCR Honda’s Takaaki Nakagami finished in 11th ahead of teammate Stefan Bradl who came in 15th.

Here are some of the interesting facts at the 2023 MotoGP India

• Ducati is currently on a 39-race streak of finishes with at least one rider on the podium

• Fanco Morbidelli is the only rider to score points in all the races so far in the season

•  Bezzecchi secured the pole position, set the fastest lap of the race, led every lap and finished first, making it his first Grand Slam. Only other rider to do so this season is Bagnaia who did it twice - once in Italy and Austria

• Martin’s six podium finish this season has extended his record for the maximum number of podiums in a single MotoGP season

Following the MotoGP India, will be the Japanese Grand Prix set for 29 Sept to 1 Oct, 2023. It will be the home race for LCR Honda Team. Further, LCR Honda’s rider Alex Rins will be back on the saddle at MotoGP at the weekend's Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi. Rins was out since June after suffering an injury in Mugello.

MotoGP has also released the 2024 season calendar. The MotoGP India has been scheduled for 20-22 September 2024. 

About Idemitsu IRG7:

The Idemitsu IRG7 fully synthetic oil line including Septet guard technology delivers exceptional Ultra protective benefits such as engine protection and performance benefits even in challenging conditions. 

Benefits like 4% improvement in horsepower, rocket starts, silky smooth shift feel, 40% improvement in anti wear protection and a whole lot more.

Links :

To know more about

- Idemitsu Lube India Pvt. Ltd : Website and Instagram

- Rider : Takaaki Nakagami 

- Content : PowerDrift