Thailand’s Somkiat Chantra Set to Make History in MotoGP Debut
BURIRAM: Somkiat Chantra can barely contain a beaming smile as he prepares to make history as Thailand’s first MotoGP rider this week and all in front of his home fans.
Preparing the Future
The 26-year-old will debut at the season-opening Thai MotoGP race on Sunday at Buriram, the first rider from the country to line up in the premier class.
"It’s amazing, it’s like a dream come true," Chantra said, admitting to some trepidation ahead of riding in front of a passionate home crowd, starting with practice on Friday.
"I cannot imagine (the pressure) in Buriram on the first race," he said.
Known by his nickname "Kong" in Thailand, Chantra will saddle up alongside French teammate Johann Zarco for LCR Honda.
Supporting the Rookie
Zarco said he was looking forward to helping Chantra ease into his rookie season.
"I’m getting to know him, he’s really interesting, you can feel he’s very eager," Zarco, 34, the oldest rider on the grid this season, told AFP.
"It brings me so much joy when I can give a few tips and see that he applies them so quickly."
Big Step-Up from Moto2
Official testing in Malaysia and Thailand earlier this month illustrated the big step-up from Moto2 that Chantra needs to make if he is to compete at the top level.
His lap times were among the slowest at the two circuits, with a best session placing of 17th.
However, after his final run at Buriram, he said he was "99%" happy with his bike.
The Journey So Far
Chantra joined Honda’s special pathway for young Asian talent at the age of nine and was chosen by the team to replace Japan’s Takaaki Nakagami, who lost his MotoGP seat after seven years without a podium.
However, the Thai rider remains relatively unproven with only two victories in six years racing Hondas in the second-tier Moto2, where he spent most of last season battling in the midfield to finish 12th in the standings.
Yet he did finish 2024 with a flourish, securing two podium finishes in his final two races.
Rookie Rivals Ahead
Moto2 champion Ai Ogura of Japan, 24, and Spanish 19-year-old Fermin Aldeguer, who was fifth in the standings, are also embarking on their first MotoGP seasons and will battle for rookie of the year honours with the Thai.
Conclusion
Somkiat Chantra is poised to make history as Thailand’s first MotoGP rider, and with the support of his teammate Johann Zarco, he is ready to take on the challenge. Despite being relatively unproven, Chantra has shown promise in his final two Moto2 races and is determined to make a mark in the premier class.
FAQs
Q: Who is Somkiat Chantra?
A: Somkiat Chantra is a 26-year-old Thai motorcycle rider who will make his debut in the MotoGP class at the 2025 season-opening Thai Grand Prix.
Q: What is his experience in Moto2?
A: Chantra spent six years racing Hondas in the second-tier Moto2, where he finished 12th in the standings.
Q: Who will he be racing alongside?
A: Chantra will saddle up alongside French teammate Johann Zarco for LCR Honda.
Q: What are his chances of success in MotoGP?
A: Despite being relatively unproven, Chantra has shown promise in his final two Moto2 races and is determined to make a mark in the premier class.