Takumi Takahashi joins Honda Racing UK for 2021 BSB championship

Takumi Takahashi will make his debut in the 2021 British Superbike championship with Honda Racing UK alongside Glenn Irwin and Ryo Mizuno, who will both be part of the BSB Challenge Programme.  

Most known for his exploits at the Suzuka 8-Hour Endurance event which includes three wins, Takahashi brings a wealth of experience and success with him. 

Takahashi is a contracted HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) test rider and in 2015 made a wildcard start in MotoGP at his home round in Motegi. 

"I'm happy to announce that in the 2021 season, I will participate in the British Superbike Championship with Honda Racing UK," added Takahashi. 

"British Superbike runs on circuits I've never raced, so I'm looking forward to it from now on. 

"In the past Ryuichi Kiyonari has won the championship, so I will do my best to be able to achieve good results."

Takahashi has also made several wild card appearances in World Superbike, and in 2020 completed his first full season in the series with MIE Honda Racing. 

The 31 year-old veteran joins a team looking to build on its success with Glenn and Andrew Irwin of last year which saw the former of the two brothers finish fourth in the championship. 

Honda Racing UK Team Manager, Havier Beltran said: "The 2021 season is looking really exciting for Honda Racing UK, not only with the strong line-up we already had with Glenn, Ryo and Tom, but now to add Takumi and the experience he brings with him will really benefit the team. 

"It’s been a busy few months organising Takumi’s move, but I know we’re all looking forward to getting out for pre-season testing and of course racing at Oulton Park for the first round. 

"The guys in the workshop are working hard behind the scenes on the Fireblades and we have a lot of things to test which have been developed over the winter. 

"So, it’s all systems go and we’re looking forward to the season when we can go racing."