KAZUKI CARRIES APRILIA’S HOPES INTO HOME RACE
Every rider arrives at Mobility Resort Motegi with ambitions of victory. For Kazuki Watanabe, the
challenge runs much deeper. As the sole rider flying the Aprilia flag in the ASB1000 category, the
Japanese veteran is not only chasing results. He is helping build the future of Team TATARA Aprilia
Asia, one race at a time.
As Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 heads to Japan, Kazuki returns to familiar
ground carrying the weight of a unique project. While many teams benefit from multiple riders,
extensive data and years of development, Team TATARA Aprilia Asia is still building its foundation. At
the center of that effort stands Kazuki, one of Japan’s most respected and experienced riders.
Throughout his career, Kazuki has earned a reputation that extends far beyond race results. Having
competed on the world stage and worked alongside multiple manufacturers, he is widely regarded as
one of the sport’s most accomplished development riders. His ability to understand machinery,
provide technical feedback and adapt to different motorcycles has made him a valuable asset
throughout his career.
That experience has become especially important this season.
After two rounds, Kazuki currently sits 10th in the championship standings. While the position may
not immediately reflect the team’s ambitions, the Japanese rider believes the challenge extends far
beyond what the results sheet shows.
“The biggest challenge has been balancing my dual role as team director and rider. As a new team, so
much of what we face is uncharted territory. Every decision comes with responsibility, and it is never
easy to know whether the direction I am setting as director is the right one. At the same time, the
support we have received from so many people has given us tremendous strength and confidence to
keep moving forward.”
Being the only Aprilia rider on the grid presents its own challenges. Unlike rival manufacturers who
benefit from multiple riders gathering information throughout the weekend, every lap completed by
Kazuki becomes a valuable piece of the development puzzle.
“It is true that we do not yet have a deep pool of data compared to some of our competitors.
However, being the only Aprilia on the grid can also be a strength. We have not yet shown our full
potential, but we are building that capability steadily, one step at a time.”
Encouragingly, signs of progress have already begun to emerge.
Following the opening rounds, Watanabe believes the team’s development curve is moving in the
right direction and perhaps faster than many expected.
“The team is improving continuously, and I believe we are doing so at a pace that is only possible
because we are a new team with everything still to build. Every race weekend teaches us something
new. The foundation is becoming stronger, and now it is simply a matter of turning that progress into
results.”
For Kazuki, there could be no better venue to continue that progress.
A home race always carries special meaning, but for a rider leading a developing project, the
opportunity to perform in front of local supporters adds even greater motivation.
“A home race is always something special to me. As a rider, I always give everything regardless of
where I race, so I do not really feel extra pressure. But I know many people will be there supporting us
in person, and I want to reward that support with a strong performance.”
Motegi’s stop-and-go layout could also present an opportunity for the Aprilia package to demonstrate
one of its strongest characteristics.
“I have felt the strength of the Aprilia’s braking performance throughout the season. That could
become a real weapon at Motegi because of the circuit’s characteristics. On the other hand, we still
need to improve our acceleration out of corners, so it will depend on what we discover once we begin
running on track.”
While a podium remains the team’s ultimate target, Kazuki remains realistic about the immediate
challenge ahead.
“A podium is our major goal for the season, and that does not change at Motegi. At Chang
International Circuit, we took a solid step forward and finished inside the top ten. If I can finish inside
the top six here, I will feel that we are taking another important step towards achieving that podium
target.”
Despite being a newcomer to ARRC competition, Kazuki has quickly recognized the level of talent and
competition within the ASB1000 category.
“This is my first season in ARRC, but the level here is extremely high. Multiple manufacturers are
competing at a very serious level, and riders such as Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of JDT RACING TEAM set
a very high benchmark. Racing in this environment forces you to sharpen every aspect of your skills,
and I believe competing here makes you a better rider.”
For many riders, Mobility Resort Motegi represents another opportunity to score points. For Kazuki
Watanabe and Team TATARA Aprilia Asia, it is another chance to prove that patience, persistence and
development can eventually challenge even the most established names in the championship.
And on home soil, with the support of Japanese fans behind him, there would be no better place to
take another step forward.
round 2 race 1
round 2 race 2
