Somkiat Chantra Set for MotoGP Return at JapaneseGP

Thai racing icon Somkiat Chantra is set to make a high-profile return to the premier class, stepping up for Honda HRC Castrol at the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix in early October. The 27-year-old takes over the Factory Honda RC213V from Joan Mir, who has been sidelined due to a torn ligament in his right foot.

Chantra, who transitioned to the Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) with Honda HRC for the 2026 campaign, currently holds 10 points through the opening nine rounds of his rookie WorldSBK season.

A return to the Mobility Resort Motegi offers Chantra a massive psychological boost. The iconic Japanese circuit is the site of his career-defining victory in Moto2 back in 2023, where he dominated the field from pole to victory. Furthermore, Motegi stands out as one of the five circuits where the Thai hero secured points finishes during his debut MotoGP season in 2025.

Credit Photo : LCR Honda