Shinya Nakano's move from Kawasaki to a satellite Honda for 2007 proved a disaster - but he'll get another chance in 2008, and be back on Bridgestone tyres.
Nakano emerged from the cauldron of Japanese pocket bike racing as Eastern Kanto Regional Champion and while that might not seem much of a title, the intense level of competition in those domestic series dictates that many rider who won those series go on to achieve world success.
Nakano has so far been denied a world title - he finished runner-up in the 250cc World Championship in 2000 with five race wins. He is also yet to notch up a premier class win, but his two third places and one second place so far, in 2001 at the Sachsenring and in 2004 at Motegi indicate his potential when the bike/tyre package is working for him.
A loyal team man and an engaging personality in the paddock, Nakano is also a fierce competitor. After riding a satellite Yamaha in the MotoGP class from 2001 to 2003, Shinya was engaged by Kawasaki to give momentum to the green team’s efforts and he was unstinting in his desire to drive the team forward. Three seasons yielded just those three podiums but also built his name as a talented professional.
No one who witnessed his 200mph crash at Mugello in 2004 (when his rear tyre failed) will need reminding of his calm resolve after the incident to get on with the business of racing - and demonstrate that resolve with a seventh place in Catalunya just seven days later.
Kawasaki did all it could to convince Nakano to stay for 2007, but uncertainly over its new 800cc motorcycle - combined with the expected chance to fight for race wins on a Michelin-shod Konica Minolta Honda - tipped the balance in favour of pastures new.
If they had been in his shoes, most riders would have done exactly the same, but the decision proved to be a nightmare: The new RC212V Honda was uncompetitive (and remained that way for the non-factory riders) while Michelin lost its 'grip' in the battle for tyre supremacy with Bridgestone.
Nakano finished the year just 17th in the standings, with a best finish of tenth, but Honda believed he deserved a second chance and has placed him back on Bridgestone tyres at the Gresini Honda team for 2008.
It could be a make or break year for the 30-year-old.
Career Highlights:
1998 : 250cc All Japan Road Race Champion Yamaha.
1999 : 4th 250cc World Championship Yamaha.
250cc Rookie of the year.
2000 : 2nd 250cc World Championship Yamaha
2001 : 5th 500cc World Championship Yamaha.
500cc Rookie of the year.
2002 : 11th MotoGP World Championship Yamaha.
2003 : 10th MotoGP World Championship Yamaha.
5th – Grand Prix of Italy and Catalunya GP
2004 : 10th MotoGP World Championship Kawasaki.
Best position: 3rd - Grand Prix of Japan
2005 : 10th MotoGP World Championship Kawasaki.
Best position: 5th – Grand Prix of Spain
2006 : 11th MotoGP World Championship Kawasaki.
Best position: 2nd – Dutch Grand Prix.
2007 : 17th MotoGP World Championship Honda
