Look at this. Honda Racing Corporation have confirmed that Somkiat Chantra is stepping straight back into the premier class to fill in for Honda HRC Castrol rider Joan Mir at the upcoming Japanese GP. It is a massive opportunity, and it comes at a venue that means a lot to him.
Now, Joan Mir needs the time. The Spaniard is continuing his recovery following medical concerns that were first raised after the San Marino GP. His recovery programme rolls on, with further updates on his condition promised after the Indonesian Grand Prix.
That leaves the door open for Chantra. He competed in the premier class during the 2025 season with Honda LCR, and has spent 2026 competing as part of HRC’s World Superbike programme. That 2026 campaign in WorldSBK has seen him take points on seven occasions while recovering from pre-season injuries.
Here's the beautiful part: he returns to MotoGP at Motegi, a circuit holding personal significance as the site of his memorable Moto2 victory in 2023. Back in 2025, Thailand’s first MotoGP rider scored a 15th place finish aboard the Honda RC213V at this exact track. Now he gets another shot at it.
