Somkiat Chantra Joins LCR Honda for MotoGP 2025

Somkiat Chantra will officially replace Takaaki Nakagami after signing with LCR Honda for the 2025 MotoGP season.

Chantra’s 2024 Moto2 season won’t seem all that impressive based on results, however, the Thai rider has flashed serious potential in the past. It’s worth pointing out that Chantra is also aboard a Kalex, which has been behind the Boscoscuro in terms of performance in 2024.

Chantra is a two-time Moto2 race winner, once in 2022 and once last season. In stepping up to MotoGP Chantra will make history as the first-ever Thai rider to ride a MotoGP bike. Chantra will also make his official debut at home as the Thai Grand Prix in Buriram will kick off the 2025 season. 

"I'm excited to join the LCR team. Stepping into MotoGP has always been my dream, and I will finally make it true,” said Chantra. “I want to thank all the sponsors and people who have supported me from the beginning of my career until now. For the next season, I'm committed to learning, giving my maximum, and enjoying this new adventure. It will be difficult, but I will give my best."

Chantra will replace Nakagami, who has spent his entire MotoGP career with LCR ahead of becoming the Japanese brand’s official test rider in Japan next year.

“Team Principal Lucio Cecchinello added: “First, I would like to thank Takaaki Nakagami for his outstanding commitment during the past seven MotoGP seasons working together; we wish him the best in his next chapter with Honda.

“As for the future, alongside HRC, we believe that it's time to welcome a great Asian talent such as Somkiat Chantra, as we think he deserves an opportunity at the highest level of the two-wheel competition.

“Through his years in Moto2, he's shown potential and the skills to grow and become a strong rider in MotoGP. LCR and Honda will provide him with the best to support him over the different phases of this new project.”

With the addition of Chantra to LCR Honda, only the two Pramac Yamaha seats are left to be confirmed, with Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller expected to get the nod.

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