Somkiat Chantra will return to the MotoGP grid at the Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi, filling in for Joan Mir at Honda HRC Castrol. This opportunity arises as Mir continues to recover from health issues identified after the San Marino GP.
Honda's official confirmation
Honda Racing Corporation has confirmed the lineup change, with Chantra stepping in for Mir, who will also miss the Indonesian GP. Mir's health has kept him sidelined, and more information on his recovery is expected following the Indonesian round. Chantra will pilot the factory RC213V machine, marking his return to MotoGP a year after stepping away from full-time participation in the premier class.
Chantra's MotoGP history
Somkiat Chantra, the first Thai rider to compete full-time in MotoGP, last participated with the LCR Honda team in 2025. That season, he placed 26th in the championship standings, earning seven points with a best result of 13th at the Indonesian GP. After 2025, Chantra shifted to the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) with Honda HRC, where he's competed in 2026.
Special connection with Motegi
Motegi holds a special significance for Chantra's career. He celebrated a Moto2 victory at the Japanese circuit in 2023. Returning to MotoGP at this venue is meaningful for Chantra, who secured 15th place in the MotoGP race at Motegi during his full-time 2025 season.
Current season performance
In 2026, Chantra has not been a full-time MotoGP participant, instead racing in 13 main events primarily as a substitute. His best result this season in MotoGP has been 13th at the Indonesian GP. In WSBK, despite early injuries, he has managed to score points in seven rounds.
Future prospects for Chantra
While Chantra's participation in the Indonesian GP is uncertain due to a WorldSBK schedule conflict, the Motegi race offers him a chance to potentially revive his MotoGP career. A strong performance in the Japanese GP could lead to further opportunities in the paddock, whether with Honda or other teams in need of a skilled substitute rider.
As Honda prepares for the next round in Indonesia and beyond, updates on Mir's condition and Chantra's future races will be awaited after Motegi.
