Somkiat Chantra Emerges as Surprise Contender for 2025 LCR Honda MotoGP Seat Amid Intense Rider Movements

Stunning new candidate emerges for 2025 LCR Honda team spot

Thai motorcyclist Somkiat Chantra is the most recent individual associated with a 2025 MotoGP position.

So far, the only confirmed rider transitioning from Moto2 to MotoGP next season is Fermin Aldeguer, who has secured a deal with Ducati.

While Aldeguer’s team hasn't been officially announced, Davide Tardozzi has stated that Fabio di Giannantonio will stay with VR46 and team up with Franco Morbidelli. This indicates that Aldeguer will be joining Alex Marquez at Gresini.

However, the Spanish motorcyclist might be one of several Moto2 competitors advancing to the top tier, with Ai Ogura strongly rumored to be joining Trackhouse Aprilia. Additionally, Tony Arbolino is being considered for a spot at Pramac Yamaha, and Somkiat Chantra is now a potential candidate for LCR Honda.

Ogura was previously rumored to join LCR, potentially replacing Takaaki Nakagami on the Idemitsu-sponsored motorcycle. Consequently, Ogura's interest in Trackhouse seemed to eliminate the primary obstacle for Nakagami in securing an eighth season with the team.

Rumors at Silverstone indicate that Chantra, who has won two grand prix races in the Moto2 category, is not just a contender but might even be the leading candidate for the last RC213V position.

Team boss Lucio Cecchinello told Sky Italia that, as of now, Chantra and Nakagami are still being considered for the 2025 lineup.

As the event approached, Nakagami, whose first choice is to remain with the team, mentioned that a discussion was scheduled with Honda following the race weekend. He added, "let's see if there will be any positive news. I'm uncertain."

At 32 years old, the Japanese racer is currently ranked 20th in the standings, having accumulated 11 points. He is in close competition with fellow Honda riders Johann Zarco, who has 14 points, and Joan Mir, who has 13 points. Additionally, he holds a 10-point lead over Luca Marini, who has just 1 point.

Nakagami stated that his primary objective is to remain with his current team and keep going, as he believes it's unfair to assess his performance this season given that all four riders are facing difficulties, not just him.

"It would be beneficial to have an equal opportunity to demonstrate my speed with a competitive motorcycle and to gauge our standing. Additionally, I can contribute to the development process, drawing on my extensive experience with Honda bikes. So, let's wait and see."

Teammate Zarco and Repsol rider Marini are both in the initial year of their two-year deals, whereas Mir has just inked a fresh two-year contract.

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