Trailblazer Tears: Somkiat Chantra’s Emotional Journey to Becoming MotoGP’s First Thai Rider with LCR Honda in 2025

Somkiat Chantra was moved to tears upon learning about his future in MotoGP.

In 2025, his transition to the LCR Honda team will mark him as the inaugural Thai competitor in the history of MotoGP.

In 2025, Somkiat Chantra is set to make history as Thailand's inaugural MotoGP competitor, moving up from the Moto2 World Championship to join the LCR Honda squad.

Chantra, who secured victories in the Moto2 category at both the 2022 Indonesian Grand Prix and the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix, revealed that he learned about his promotion to a MotoGP rider in the week following the Austrian Grand Prix this year.

"Last week, I became aware that I would be attending the MotoGP," he shared at the pre-race press conference for the upcoming Aragon Grand Prix.

"I was overjoyed upon learning that I'll be attending MotoGP next year. The news brought me to tears, and I immediately phoned my mom."

Following the revelation in Austria of Ai Ogura's transition to the Trackhouse Aprilia squad for the upcoming season, Chantra has become the second racer, after starting his journey in the Asia Talent Cup—a title he clinched in 2016—to declare his step up to MotoGP.

He expressed contentment when a photo of him, taken post-victory at a race in the Asia Talent Cup round in Buriram in 2016—a side event to the World Superbike Championship—was displayed during the press conference. "The year was great," he remarked. "The picture is from Buriram. I also clinched a victory in my home race, which was truly wonderful."

Recently, it has been revealed that Thailand is set to be the venue for the inaugural race of the 2025 MotoGP World Championship. This event will also mark Chantra's debut in the premier class race, providing him with the unique chance to kick off his MotoGP career at his home Grand Prix.

"Growing up, my home was Pattaya city, which is my hometown and is located about an hour from Bangkok," Chantra reflected on his early years in Thailand.

There are various tracks available, along with the opportunity to participate in the Honda Racing School. For an entry fee of approximately 500 Baht (equivalent to about £11), anyone interested can sign up. You're just required to bring along your own boots, gloves, and helmet to take part in the racing activities. Initially, there's an educational phase, somewhat akin to a school setting, where you learn the basics. Following this, you get the chance to compete in the race.

"After spending a year on that, Honda brought me in for the Asia Talent Cup tryouts in 2014, and during the selection process, I was thrilled to find out I was among the chosen 22 riders."

"Back then, there were around 600 riders who showed up for the selection, but I was among the 22 riders chosen, which really thrilled me. Following that, I began my journey through the Asia Talent Cup, CEV, Moto2, and now I’ve made it here."

Throughout his journey towards MotoGP and his current career within it, Chantra has been mentored by HRC. This organization provides motorcycles for participants in both the Asia Talent Cup and the Junior Talent Team, which are part of the current JuniorGP series. Additionally, HRC supports the Honda Team Asia, where Chantra has raced throughout his entire Moto2 career.

Ogura, as mentioned earlier, also embarked on a similar journey, however, he decided to leave Honda for the upcoming year. This decision comes in the wake of the ongoing technical difficulties Honda has been experiencing, with the Japanese company not achieving a podium finish since the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix.

Chantra is devising a strategy to tackle the challenge of advancing to MotoGP with what is currently considered one of the least competitive bikes.

"Chantra expressed his anticipation for Aleix Espargaro's role as HRC's test rider for the upcoming year, noting Espargaro's presence next to him during the press conference. He mentioned the significant differences between Moto2 and MotoGP motorcycles, particularly in terms of electronics, emphasizing his hope that Espargaro's involvement will be beneficial."

"In Valencia, we're planning to conduct some tests, and I'll take the opportunity to understand the nuances better, as well as review the footage."

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