Somkiat Chantra in Tears Over Historic MotoGP Promotion: First Thai Rider to Join LCR Honda in 2025

Somkiat Chantra was emotional after learning about his MotoGP future. In 2025, he will join the LCR Honda team, becoming the first Thai rider in MotoGP history.

In 2025, Somkiat Chantra will make history as the first Thai motorcyclist to compete in the MotoGP class, transitioning from the Moto2 World Championship to join the LCR Honda team.

Chantra, who won the Moto2 races twice, one during the Indonesian Grand Prix in 2022 and another at the Japanese Grand Prix in 2023, mentioned that he learned about becoming a MotoGP rider in the week following the Austrian Grand Prix this year.

"During last week's pre-race press conference for the Aragon Grand Prix, he mentioned that he learned he would be participating in MotoGP."

"I was overjoyed when I found out I would be joining MotoGP next year. I was so ecstatic that I started crying and immediately called my mom."

Following the announcement in Austria that Ai Ogura will join the Trackhouse Aprilia team next season, Chantra has become the second rider who started his career in the Asia Talent Cup, where he emerged victorious in 2016, to confirm a move to MotoGP.

Reflecting on a photo displayed at a press conference, which captured his victory in a 2016 Asia Talent Cup race in Buriram, he commented, "This year was wonderful. This picture is from Buriram, where I also triumphed in my home race. It was a truly great experience."

It was recently revealed that Thailand will host the opening race of the 2025 MotoGP World Championship. This event will mark Chantra's debut in the premier class, giving him the unique chance to start his MotoGP career at his home Grand Prix.

Chantra shared that he grew up in Pattaya, which he considers his hometown. He mentioned that it is located close to Bangkok, approximately an hour's drive away.

"There are a few tracks available, and back then, Honda Racing School was an option. By paying approximately 500 Baht (about £11), you could participate. You just needed to bring your own boots, gloves, and helmet. Initially, you would go through training, similar to attending a school, and then you could take part in the race."

"After spending a year on that, Honda brought me in to participate in the selection process for the Asia Talent Cup in 2014. I was thrilled when I made it into the group of 22 riders."

"During that period, around 600 riders showed up for the selection process. I was thrilled to be among the 22 riders who made it through. Following that, I participated in the Asia Talent Cup, CEV, Moto2, and now I've reached my current position."

Chantra's journey from the 'Road to MotoGP' to his current position in MotoGP has been overseen by HRC. HRC provides motorcycles for the Asia Talent Cup and the Junior Talent Team, which are part of the JuniorGP series. Additionally, HRC finances the Honda Team Asia, where Chantra has competed throughout his Moto2 career.

Ogura, who faced similar circumstances, decided to depart from Honda for the upcoming year. This decision comes amid Honda's ongoing technical issues, which have kept the Japanese manufacturer off the podium since the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix.

Chantra has devised a strategy to get ready for the challenge of moving up to MotoGP, currently using one of the less competitive bikes in the series.

Next year, Aleix Espargaro is set to become a test rider for HRC, and I am optimistic that he will assist me,” Chantra mentioned during the press conference, with Espargaro seated next to him. “There's no doubt that Moto2 and MotoGP bikes differ significantly, including their electronic systems.

“In Valencia, I believe we'll conduct tests, and I'll make an effort to understand [the differences]. Additionally, I'll review the footage."

Discover More

Breaking News

Breaking News

Site Map

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

Reproducing any part or the entirety of text, photos, or images in any manner is prohibited.