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Somkiat Chantra, the newly signed rider for the Honda World Superbike Team, faces a significant setback before his much-anticipated debut in the championship. The Thai racer suffered a fractured right arm during a training session at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. This injury raises concerns about his readiness for the upcoming season, which is rapidly approaching.
Background on Somkiat Chantra’s career
Last year was a milestone for Chantra as he became the first rider from Thailand to compete in the prestigious MotoGP series. His journey in the premier class began with a promotion to LCR Honda, generating excitement among fans. However, the transition proved challenging. Throughout his rookie season, he managed to secure only seven points, ultimately finishing 26th in the championship standings.
From MotoGP to World Superbike
Initially, Chantra had signed a two-year contract with LCR Honda. However, after assessing his performance, the team opted to transfer him to their World Superbike project. This strategic decision seeks to enhance Honda’s competitive standing in the World Superbike Championship, a series where the manufacturer has not secured a victory since 2016. With the 2026 season opener set for February 20-22 at Phillip Island, the timing of Chantra’s injury is particularly unfortunate.
Details of the injury incident
On a Friday morning, Honda released a statement detailing the circumstances surrounding Chantra’s accident. While riding a stock Honda CBR1000RR-R during a private training session, he suffered a crash that resulted in a fracture of his right forearm. Following the incident, Chantra was swiftly transported to a hospital in Kuala Lumpur, where X-rays confirmed the injury. The team has not yet provided a timeline for his recovery, leaving his participation in the early stages of the season uncertain.
Next steps for recovery
As Chantra returns to Thailand, further medical assessments will be conducted to evaluate the extent of his injury and outline a rehabilitation plan. Honda HRC has committed to keeping fans and the media updated on his recovery progress in the coming days, as the racing community awaits crucial information regarding his condition.
Honda World Superbike team updates
The Honda World Superbike team is gearing up for a dynamic season ahead. Chantra will be joined by fellow Moto2 race winner Jake Dixon, who is making his transition to the Superbike category. This revised lineup indicates a strategic shift for Honda, particularly as the team moves away from exclusively reserving one of its MotoGP seats for Asian riders. The reigning Moto2 champion Diogo Moreira will now team up with Johann Zarco in the MotoGP series.
Chantra’s injury presents a significant challenge for the Honda team as they aim to reestablish themselves among the top competitors in World Superbikes. Not only must Chantra focus on a swift recovery, but the entire team is also under pressure to deliver a strong performance as they embark on this new chapter in their racing history.