Takaaki Nakagami Races Alongside Lightline on the RC213V-S! Promoting New Access to the MotoGP™ Japanese Grand Prix

On July 23, 2026, in Haga Town, Tochigi Prefecture, a promotional run was held featuring the Haga-Utsunomiya LRT "Light Line" with special MotoGP™ Japan Grand Prix livery, alongside the Honda RC213V-S.

The RC213V-S was ridden by Takaaki Nakagami, currently an HRC development rider and scheduled to participate in this year's Japan Grand Prix as a wildcard. Through this unique event, where the RC213V-S, inheriting the lineage of MotoGP™ machines, ran alongside the LRT on public roads, the new access route to the Japan Grand Prix, "Mobility Resort Motegi x LRT Smart Access," was promoted.

MotoGP™ Livery Light Line and RC213V-S Run Side-by-Side on Public Roads

This promotional run was conducted in anticipation of the "2026 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship Series Round 16 MOTUL Grand Prix of Japan," to be held at Mobility Resort Motegi from Friday, October 2, to Sunday, October 4, 2026.

The vehicles participating were the Light Line train, adorned with Haga Town collaboration livery celebrating the MotoGP™ Japan Grand Prix, and a Honda RC213V-S in the current season's Honda HRC Castrol team colors.

The venue was the section of the Utsunomiya-Haga Light Rail Line between the Haga-Town Industrial Park Management Center Station and the Haga-Takanezawa Industrial Park Station. Public roads within Haga Town were temporarily closed to ensure safety during the promotional run.

The Light Line is a next-generation tram that opened in 2023, connecting Utsunomiya Station East Exit with Haga Town. The specially wrapped train began commercial operation on July 4th and is promoting the MotoGP™ Japan Grand Prix across its entire body.

The Light Line train and the Honda RC213V-S co-star on public roads!

Takaaki Nakagami, HRC Development Rider, Rides the RC213V-S

The rider of the Honda RC213V-S was Takaaki Nakagami, a long-time MotoGP™ competitor and currently an HRC development rider involved in the development of MotoGP™ machines.

The RC213V-S is a road-legal model developed with technology from Honda's MotoGP™ machine, the "RC213V." This time, it was adorned with the Honda HRC Castrol livery and ran on public roads alongside the MotoGP™ Japan Grand Prix-themed Light Line.

As the run began, Nakagami rode the RC213V-S, matching the speed of the Light Line. Passengers on the LRT, who were MotoGP™ fans, watched Nakagami as he rode alongside. Nakagami was seen waving to the fans inside the train. Although not a full-throttle race or test run, the sight of the two machines, dressed in colors symbolizing MotoGP™, running side-by-side on public roads was an impactful scene that intuitively conveyed the purpose of this initiative.

MotoGP™ fans were also on board the LRT, watching Nakagami's run from inside.

A couple who have been attending the event for three years! The wife is a fan of Nakagami-san, making this a special experience.

Event's Goal: To Promote a New Access Route

The purpose of this side-by-side event was not only to announce the MotoGP™ Japan Grand Prix but also to widely publicize a new way for attendees to reach the venue using the Light Line.

Mobility Resort Motegi is promoting a route from JR Utsunomiya Station to the venue, combining the Light Line with a reservation-based shuttle bus, as "Mobility Resort Motegi x LRT Smart Access."

Upon arrival at JR Utsunomiya Station, attendees can board the Light Line from the Utsunomiya Station East Exit Station. After a journey of approximately 40 minutes to the Haga-Town Industrial Park Management Center Station, they can then take the reservation-based shuttle bus, "Motegi GP Express Haga," to Mobility Resort Motegi.

The bus journey from Haga Town to the circuit takes about 30 minutes. After arriving at the venue, passengers can disembark near the on-site loop bus stop, making it easy to travel within the large facility.

By developing access routes that do not rely solely on private cars, the aim is to mitigate the impact of traffic congestion around the venue and to provide a convenient transportation option for young people without driver's licenses and international visitors.

Diagram: Courtesy of Mobility Resort Motegi

Reservation-Based Shuttle Bus "Motegi GP Express Haga"

The "Motegi GP Express Haga" is a reservation-based direct shuttle bus connecting the Haga-Town Industrial Park Management Center Station to the Mobility Resort Motegi grounds.

It will operate on Saturday, October 3rd, the day of official qualifying and the sprint race, and Sunday, October 4th, the day of the main races. The fare is 2,500 yen one-way for both adults and children.

By reserving in advance, passengers can secure their seats, and cashless payment allows for smooth travel. While same-day bookings may be possible if seats are available, early reservations are recommended for those planning to use the service.

Furthermore, individuals eligible for the "16-23 ZERO Yen Pass" can use the Haga-originating shuttle bus for free with advance reservations. However, there is a limit to the number of free seats available, so it is advisable to check this when booking your race tickets.

Motegi GP Express Haga
Operation Dates: Saturday, October 3 & Sunday, October 4, 2026
Departure/Arrival Points: Haga-Town Industrial Park Management Center Station – Mobility Resort Motegi Grounds
Travel Time: Approximately 30 minutes (may vary depending on traffic conditions)
Fare: 2,500 yen one-way / Same for adults and children
Reservation Acceptance: Until the day before operation (same-day bookings possible if seats are available)
Operating Company: Mogi Travel
Ages 16-23: Free with advance reservation for "16-23 ZERO Yen Pass" holders.

Information on how to make reservations, Light Line timetables, and details about shuttle buses operating from various locations can be found on the access page of the official MotoGP™ Japan Grand Prix website.

Click here for MotoGP™ Japan Grand Prix access information

A New Way to Experience the Japan Grand Prix: Traveling by Public Transport

This side-by-side run of the Light Line and the RC213V-S served as a visually striking promotion, using the impactful image of different modes of mobility running together to clearly communicate a new access method.

Access to the MotoGP™ Japan Grand Prix is not limited to private cars. By combining trains, the Light Line, and reservation-based shuttle buses, it is possible to travel from Utsunomiya Station to Mobility Resort Motegi using public transportation.

The 2026 Japan Grand Prix takes place in a season where Ai Ogura achieved the first victory for a Japanese rider in the premier class in 22 years. For those who may have hesitated to attend in person due to access concerns, the route presented here offers a new option.

By utilizing public transportation in combination with other modes, rather than relying solely on private cars, it is possible to reach Motegi. This year, consider this access method as a way to experience the world's top-level racing firsthand.

Improved access is expected to boost attendance at the Japan Grand Prix.

2026 MotoGP™ Japan Grand Prix Kicks Off on October 2nd

The "2026 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship Series Round 16 MOTUL Grand Prix of Japan" will be held from Friday, October 2nd, to Sunday, October 4th, 2026, at Mobility Resort Motegi in Motegi Town, Tochigi Prefecture.

October 2nd will feature free practice and practice sessions, October 3rd will include free practice, official qualifying, and the sprint race, while October 4th will host the main races for each class.

Top riders from around the world will gather in MotoGP™, MOTO2™, and MOTO3™ classes, with races unfolding over three days.

Event Name
2026 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship Series Round 16 MOTUL Grand Prix of Japan

Dates
October 2 (Fri) - 4 (Sun), 2026

Venue
Mobility Resort Motegi
120-1 Hiyama, Motegi-machi, Haga-gun, Tochigi Prefecture

Racing Classes
MotoGP™ / MOTO2™ / MOTO3™

Official Website
https://www.mr-motegi.jp/motogp/

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