MotoGP: Honda adds test rider to Motegi grid

Honda will run an extra factory MotoGP bike in next month's Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi for its test rider Takumi Takahashi. The 25-year-old from Japan will be making his MotoGP race debut, though he has long been part of the Honda Racing test lineup.

"I have taken part in MotoGP tests several times and have been able to witness the level of the top riders with my own eyes," said Takahashi, a three-time Suzuka 8 Hours winner and 2008 Japanese 250cc champion. "I am very excited to have this opportunity to participate in a MotoGP race and I would like to thank HRC for this opportunity. I will do my best and work at 100 percent hoping to match everyone's expectation."

Although Yamaha regularly adds its test rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga to its works MotoGP lineup for Motegi, this will be the first time Honda has entered a wildcard since it ran Shinchi Ito at home in 2011.

HRC executive vice-president Shuhei Nakamoto described Takahashi as "a growing young gun".

"I hope he is able to demonstrate his abilities with a strong performance in front of all the home fans," he said.

Takahashi joins regulars Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa in Honda's Motegi entry.

Originally on Autosport.com