Nakagami says he couldn't manage "incredible pressure"
Takaaki Nakagami says the "incredible pressure" he felt from starting on pole for the first time led to his "stupid" crash on lap one of the MotoGP Teruel Grand Prix.
Nakagami became Japan's first premier class polesitter in 16 years on Saturday when he topped qualifying at Aragon, and was branded favourite for victory by many riders owing to his strong race pace throughout practice.
But the LCR Honda rider's race lasted just five corners when he crashed under braking for Turn 5.
"It was such a shame," Nakagami said afterwards. "I made one mistake [and it] cost me massively. I'm really disappointed. I had to try my maximum performance after the start and I was too fast. That's it.
"For me, even now I couldn't believe I made the mistake. So, I'm disappointed in myself. But, fortunately I'm OK, no injury.
"Before the race it was the first time I felt this incredible pressure from the outside and I couldn't manage it.
"So, this is the reason why I made this stupid mistake and that's it. I have to learn from my mistake for the future."
He added: "I knew that Franco [Morbidelli] was behind and that's why I had to close the door from Turn 1, and all the corners - I tried to save the position.
"Then I lost the line and it was an easy mistake. Then I couldn't control very well and even for me I was a bit surprised I had a crash at that corner because all practice I never had this feeling.
"But in the race it was maybe too nervous, or maybe I couldn't control my feeling. I was too sharp on the first part of the braking."
Nakagami says he "has to remember" the feeling he had at the start of this race for the next time he starts on pole to understand how to control the pressure better, and believes he can win "many races" if he does this.
"I believe next time if I can start from pole position… today I have to remember this feeling and try to remember I had this feeling in Aragon and I made a mistake in the first lap," he said.
"So, this experience will help a lot. We need this feeling and we need to understand this experience. The most important thing for the future is how you manage this pressure.
"Today, I couldn't control it unfortunately, but in the future if I can control it, we're able to win many races.
"Today I did a mistake and I'm very disappointed in myself, but I'm really looking forward to my future. Only three races to go, I don't care about the championship.
"I just want to mix in the championship, if I can win the race and I'm not interested in who wins the championship. I want to enjoy myself."
Previous article
Vinales: “Impossible” to close points gap with current Yamaha
Next article
Crutchlow to have scan after feeling "snap" in shoulder
About this article
| Series | MotoGP |
| Event | Teruel GP |
| Drivers | Takaaki Nakagami |
| Author | Lewis Duncan |
Repsol Honda Team - Pol Espargaró Q&A
Repsol Honda Team - Marc Marquez Q&A
Why Alex Marquez doesn't care about 'shutting up' MotoGP critics
Alex Marquez's form was one of MotoGP 2020's biggest surprises and, by firmly stepping out of his six-time world champion brother Marc's shadow, he proved a few people wrong. Not that he cares about this, as he tells Lewis Duncan
How Yamaha's new MotoGP era can unchain Vinales
After the electrifying start to his Yamaha MotoGP career in 2017, Maverick Vinales has struggled for consistency. Many anticipate that the arrival of Fabio Quartararo could spell disaster, but the departure of Valentino Rossi could be just the impetus he needs.
Does KTM really need 'super engine' for MotoGP title challenge?
Fears from rival MotoGP manufacturers that KTM would build a 'super engine' for 2021 have ultimately come to nothing with the revealation that the RC16 hasn't been radically changed over the winter. But does it really need that to win the title?
How Ducati's latest Aussie union can return it to MotoGP glory
Australians on Ducatis is an iconic partnership, the marque's last one yielding its sole MotoGP crown to date. But its latest Aussie union with the often underestimated Jack Miller can end this drought.
The "balls out" battle between MotoGP's true greats
Senna vs Prost is regularly cited as motorsport's greatest rivalry. But it can easily be argued Rainey vs Schwantz can stake that claim. That rivalry was in full swing during the 1991 500cc season, remembered fondly by both stars 30 years on...
The "warrior" MotoGP rookie KTM was right to back
The 2020 MotoGP campaign featured a standout pair of rookies, but one flew under the radar as he adjusted to a shock step-up armed with very little racing experience. However as his veteran team boss explains, the faith shown in him was not misplaced
Why Suzuki's Brivio replacement must come from within
With its charismatic leader Davide Brivio leaving for Formula 1, the Suzuki MotoGP squad he turned into a world championship-winning force in 2020 has a major recruitment headache that it needs to resolve carefully.
Why Alpine's latest signing could be its best hope of F1 glory
The return of Fernando Alonso to the renamed Alpine team is a sure sign of the team's ambition. But its latest appointment from MotoGP could be an even bigger coup as it seeks to end a barren run stretching back to Alonso's 2006 world title
