Chantra’s LCR Honda Debut in 2025: A Strategic Move for MotoGP’s Future in Asia

The surprising next move in MotoGP's rider market is a logical choice for Honda

Somkiat Chantra is rumored to make his MotoGP entrance with LCR in 2025

News of Somkiat Chantra set to take over Takaaki Nakagami's spot at LCR Honda in 2025 might significantly elevate MotoGP's profile.

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Honda's rising star Ai Ogura is poised to join the Trackhouse Racing Aprilia team for the 2025 season, suggesting that Nakagami's position at LCR is secure.

Since joining the team for his Moto2 debut in 2018, Nakagami has remained a steady figure within Honda's lineup, significantly aiding in the development of the challenging RC213V over the past few years.

Despite his desire to stay, his position appears to be at risk due to the Thai racer Chantra.

At just 25 years old, the two-time Moto2 Grand Prix champion is a significant figure in MotoGP, appealing to a crucial audience. The Thai Grand Prix, where he shines, is among the season's most popular events in terms of attendance.

Significantly, Chantra, who clinched the Asia Talent Cup title in 2016, coupled with Ogura's progression from the same program, could greatly enhance Dorna Sports' presence in the Southeast Asia region.

"Chantra has been victorious in several races, and you have the support of the Thai market," Peter McLaren, the MotoGP editor for Crash.net, commented in the most recent episode of the Crash MotoGP podcast.

"He emerged victorious in the Honda Asia Talent Cup, and I believe it would be beneficial for a former winner of that competition to make it to MotoGP."

"Numerous champions have emerged from the Red Bull Rookies and CEV, among other competitions. This presents a somewhat unique perspective."

Jordan Moreland, who manages social media for crash.net, mentioned, "Discussing the Asia Talent Cup is fascinating, especially considering Chantra's past championship win and Ogura's progression from the same competition."

"It's a significant indicator for the series, seeing two competitors emerge from it and potentially becoming the first pair to enter MotoGP."

"It's a significant development for Dorna and the associated junior series to witness such a notable emergence from the Asian market in MotoGP, especially since for a considerable time only Nakagami and previously Hafizh Syahrin were the representatives. Introducing these two newcomers could indeed be quite extraordinary."

Chantra's potential move to LCR could result in Nakagami losing his spot in MotoGP and possibly lead to his departure from the Honda team.

Honda's testing lineup currently includes Stefan Bradl and will be bolstered by the addition of three-time Grand Prix champion Aleix Espargaro in 2025, after the Spanish racer steps away from competition.

"Peter McLaren mentioned, 'Regarding Taka Nakagami, it seemed like we were under the impression that, since Ogura is likely moving on, he's probably secure.'"

"However, Aleix is also joining as a test rider, so it's not just about him vacating his racing position; it’s about figuring out his next move."

"It was naturally presumed that he'd be the clear choice for the testing position, given his ability to communicate with the Japanese engineers in their own language, among other things. However, with Aleix stepping into the testing spot, should they decide against retaining Nakagami, the question arises about his activities for the following year."

Chantra is set to face challenges at Honda, yet the support from Idemitsu for the LCR team will provide him with job stability and an adjustment period.

However, if Honda is open to the idea of completely parting ways with Nakagami, whose ability to communicate with the engineers in their native language has been a significant advantage for HRC, it could also indicate that the company is ready to undergo a much-needed change in its strategic approach.

"Lewis Duncan, a MotoGP journalist, mentioned that Nakagami raising issues with the Japanese engineers is a valid concern."

"Currently, Japanese producers are in a period where they're aiming to adopt a more European appeal."

It's unclear whether Chantra is proficient in Japanese, however, Honda's decision to recruit him could indicate their readiness to abandon the mindset that has been a major setback for them in recent years, plunging them into the current predicament they face.

"Thus, from that perspective, to some extent, it's Honda demonstrating their readiness to change."

"From what we understand, there's a chance Chantra might excel; the motorcycle seems to fit him well. Given the support from Idemitsu, he likely has more stability in his position. Thus, theoretically, he may not face the harsh challenges [that other newcomers often encounter]."

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