Under the Microscope: Somkiat Chantra’s Controversial MotoGP Promotion Amidst Political Turmoil

New MotoGP talent faces failure due to "politics"

"When was the last time a rider with such a mediocre record was advanced to MotoGP?"

It has been implied that Somkiat Chantra is “not prepared” for his transition to MotoGP in 2025.

Moto2 competitor Chantra is set to make history as the first Thai rider in MotoGP, joining the LCR Honda team in the upcoming year.

Nonetheless, possible issues have already been identified.

TNT Sports' Neil Hodgson confessed that he had conflicting emotions.

"It's fantastic for the championship. Unbelievable. Everyone likes him; he's a unique personality and very refreshing."

"The downsides? He ranks 10th in the championship standings and has secured only two wins during his Moto2 career."

"While observing him, I never once felt that he possesses the skills or potential to be a MotoGP rider."

"I can’t recall the last instance when a rider with such a mediocre track record moved up to MotoGP."

Fabio di Giannantonio secured a position among the top five in the Moto2 race. Although Luca Marini's performance wasn't outstanding, he still outperformed Chantra by a significant margin.

"I'm worried that he might enter MotoGP with the least successful manufacturer and the poorest performance history."

"He’s being put in a position where success is unlikely. If there are 21 riders all within a one-second difference, and he is trailing them by one second, he might be. This scenario benefits no one."

Next year, Chantra is set to take over the role of long-time Honda rider Takaaki Nakagami, who will transition into a test rider position for the Japanese company.

Honda's struggles have become even more apparent this season following the departure of Marc Marquez.

Luca Marini, who is new to the Repsol Honda team, managed to earn his first point in the ninth race of the season, and this was only possible because three other competitors were penalized for tyre pressure violations.

Chantra joined LCR Honda following speculation that Ai Ogura would take the spot; however, Ogura was ultimately advanced from Moto2 to MotoGP with Trackhouse Aprilia.

Michael Laverty, speaking to TNT Sports, commented, "Ai Ogura was an obvious choice. However, he received an offer from Trackhouse."

Chantra is seen as a key representative for Asia. Idemitsu, the major Japanese oil company, is seeking an Asian rider.

"Chantra has been a member of their Moto2 team, yet his performance numbers don't support his presence."

"If we strongly advocated for Jake Dixon, people would criticize us, claiming it’s only because of his nationality, even though he's in a far superior situation compared to Chantra."

"It's a challenging situation. He is in a no-win position. He has talent, but he isn't prepared for a transition to MotoGP, although the political dynamics are understandable."

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