But could there also be a third option?

Talking to BT Sport, team boss Lucio Cecchinello said๊: “Honestly this is a decision that is completely in Honda’s hands♐. I think it will be a couple of weeks before they decide.

“There are two options on the table. Maybe they have a third option. Hones🌺tly, I have no idea. But this is a project where they are keen to leave a spot for an Asian rider.

“Of course, to continue with Nakagami is an option. Ai Ogura is♌ an option. Thisꦛ is a decision they will take soon.”

BT pundit Sylvain Guintoli was clear o🐓n who any pote🍌ntial third option would be:

“It is definitely Somki꧋at Chantra. He is part of the team in Moto2, managed byღ Hiroshi Aoyama.

“This seat, lik🌟e Lucio said, is reserved for an Asian rider. It will be ♚Nakagami, Ogura or Chantra. If it isn’t Nakagami, he will likely become a test rider for Honda.”

Chantra is team-mate to Ogura in the Honda Team Asia Moto2 squad꧂.

Both have taken a first Moto2 race win t🦩his season but while Ogura is currently second in the standings, with one DNF, Thai rider Chantra has slipped to tenth overall due to four non-scores plus a DNS in Qatar.

Nakagami: No information yet on 2023

While Alex Marquez – switching to Gresini Ducati next season – says he is riding the same spec bike as Qatar, team-mate Nakagami had a new chassis at Silverstone, emp🐭hasising his significance to Honda’s development programme.

The Japanese fought his way from 21st on the grid to finish as the top Honda, albeit in just𝔍 13💛th place.

“In qualifying there was massive gap... In the race at least my pace was, not fantastic, but top 1🔥0 pace. But we are not look♛ing for the top 10. We are looking for better performance [than that].

“Finishing 13th is not the best and hopefully we can have another step f♋or the Red Bull Ring. I'm curious to see the new layout [chicane] on Thursday.”

Asked again abo🌼ut his future, just before leaving Silverstone, Nakagami replied: “Not yet. I didn't get any information, once I get some information I will let you all know!”