Nagashima to wildcard for HRC at final Jerez WorldSBK round

Tetsuta Nagashima will make a wildcard appearance for HRC at the WorldSBK season finale set to take place this coming weekend at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain.

Nagashima has competed in World Superbike once before, when he stepped in to replace injured Lecuona during the 2022 Australian SBK round. Despite the extremely tricky, mixed weather conditions, a very strong performance saw the Japanese rider place ninth and tenth in the weekend’s full-length races, in what was his debut appearance in the production-derived championship.

Supported by the HRC test team, Nagashima will be able to rely on his extensive experience of the CBR1000RR-R and his knowledge of the Jerez track, both from his Moto2 days and from tests carried out at the Andalusian circuit.

Keen to build on the valuable contribution he already makes to the SBK project, Tetsuta will do his best to hit the ground running on Friday and collect important data for the Japanese engineers.

32-year-old Tetsuta Nagashima was born on 2 July 1992 in Kanagawa, Japan. Having won a first domestic title at the tender age of 15, the Japanese rider went on to enjoy significant success at national level and became the All Japan GP-MONO champion in 2011. Tetsuta later progressed to the Moto2 World Championship and continued to compete in that intermediate category, whether as a full time or wildcard entry, until 2021. In 2020 he scored a maiden Moto2 race win at the opening Qatar round, before becoming HRC official test rider in 2021, a role he continues to hold today.

On 7 August 2022, Nagashima teamed up with BSB rider Takumi Takahashi and SBK factory rider Iker Lecuona to win the prestigious FIM Endurance World Championship “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8 Hours. Tetsuta also achieved pole position and the race fastest lap aboard a factory bike based on the CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP. In 2023 he was able to put in an incredible repeat performance, triumphing in the Suzuka 8 Hours for a second consecutive time, as part of a team with Takahashi and Xavi Vierge. In addition to his ongoing testing responsibilities, the 2024 season has seen Tetsuta compete in the All Japan Championship.

As the 2024 World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK) heads into its final round in Jerez, fans of both Honda and racing will witness an exciting development: Tetsuta Nagashima will make a wildcard appearance for the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC). This highly anticipated wildcard entry for the Japanese rider brings fresh momentum to the season’s conclusion, and all eyes will be on how Nagashima performs against a highly competitive field.

Nagashima’s Background in Racing

Tetsuta Nagashima is no stranger to the world of high-speed motorcycle racing. A seasoned competitor, the 31-year-old Japanese rider has had notable successes across multiple racing categories. In 2020, Nagashima gained widespread recognition when he claimed victory at the Qatar Grand Prix in Moto2, putting him firmly on the map as a talent to watch. His career has included several years of competing in Moto2, where he has been celebrated for his speed and determination.

In recent years, Nagashima has moved on to other forms of racing, including his involvement with Honda in MotoGP and endurance races. His experience in multiple disciplines, including MotoGP and Suzuka 8 Hours, has honed his skills and adaptability. These experiences make him a strong candidate to handle the challenges of WorldSBK, a series known for its close competition and fast-paced races.

A Strategic Move for HRC

Nagashima’s wildcard entry into the final Jerez round represents a strategic decision by Honda Racing Corporation. HRC is aiming to test its capabilities and assess how its machines perform in one of the most competitive two-wheel racing series. While Honda has struggled to consistently challenge the dominant teams of Ducati, Yamaha, and Kawasaki in recent WorldSBK seasons, Nagashima’s inclusion signals the factory’s continued commitment to improving their performance in the championship.

The wildcard appearance is also an opportunity for Honda to gain additional data and insight into its CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, which will be crucial in shaping its development for future seasons. The team is using this opportunity not just as a farewell to the 2024 season but also as a preview of what could be expected in the 2025 season. Nagashima, known for his adaptability, is an ideal candidate to help gather crucial data on how the bike performs under different conditions, especially as he has already been involved in Honda’s development efforts.

What to Expect in Jerez

Jerez, the Spanish circuit known for its technical layout and challenging corners, will be a true test for Nagashima. While he has plenty of racing experience, WorldSBK presents a unique challenge with its diverse grid and close-quarters racing. Unlike MotoGP, where Nagashima has mostly competed, the WorldSBK machines are based on production models, which have a different handling dynamic. Nevertheless, Nagashima’s familiarity with Honda machinery and his natural racing instincts should give him a solid chance of making a significant impact at the event.

Fans can expect Nagashima to showcase his aggressive style and experience, as he takes on seasoned WorldSBK riders like Alvaro Bautista, Toprak Razgatlioglu, and Jonathan Rea. It will also be interesting to see how Nagashima adapts to the specific demands of the Pirelli tires, which are standard in WorldSBK but differ from the Michelin tires used in MotoGP.

Looking Ahead

Nagashima’s wildcard entry into the final round of WorldSBK in Jerez is not only a thrilling addition to the 2024 season’s closing event but also a potential hint of things to come for both Honda and the rider himself. If his performance impresses, there is speculation that Nagashima could play a larger role in Honda’s future efforts in WorldSBK.

For now, all eyes will be on Jerez, where Tetsuta Nagashima will look to make a mark in the WorldSBK paddock and give Honda the push they need to end the season on a high note.