Honda Raiser Somkiat Chantra For Geplacer de Mir at Japanese Grand Prix
Somkiat Chantra has been confirmed to compete in the Japanese Grand Prix, stepping in as Honda’s designated rider to cover for injured João Mir and representing the factory Honda team.
Earlier today, it was revealed that Mir will sit out the upcoming Japanese and Indonesian races, both scheduled for early October.
At this stage, Chantra’s participation is limited to Japan, since the Mandalika event aligns with the final round of the World Superbike calendar at Estoril (October 9‑11).
Having spent six years in Moto2 (2019‑2024), where he claimed two wins and secured six podiums across 106 events, Chantra debuted in MotoGP in 2025 with the LCR squad—the garage dedicated to Asian riders—replacing Takaaki Nakagami, who retired after 2024 and has transitioned to become an HRC test rider.
His inaugural and sole season in the top tier yielded modest results: seventeen starts, a best finish of 13th in Indonesia, and just seven points, leaving him 26th in the overall classification.
The shift to World Superbike proved a mixed bag; Chantra’s 2026 campaign began poorly after sustaining a severe injury at Sepang during pre-season preparation, requiring surgery and postponing his full integration onto the Honda CBR1000RR‑R.
Joan Mir, Honda HRC
Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / Getty Images
So far, Chantra has scored 10 points and is 20th in the standings, positioned ahead of his team‑mate Jake Dixon, who has battles with injuries.
After Nakagami took over at the Austrian GP last weekend, Honda needed to source a replacement as the Japanese rider will race as a wildcard with the Honda Test Team before the Indonesian GP.
Looking ahead to the Indonesian event, Honda must choose who fills Mir’s slot; Chantra will be actively competing while Nakagami undergoes testing in Sepang (October 14‑15).
Aleix Espárgo, having recovered from a serious back injury, remains a potential candidate, though the Spaniard would also need to be ready for post‑Mandalika tests.
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