CHANTRA TO STEP IN FOR MIR AT HONDA IN JAPAN

Somkiat Chantra will return to MotoGP with Honda at next weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, stepping in for Joan Mir at Motegi. The Thai rider has so far been confirmed only for the Japan round; Mir is also expected to miss the Indonesian Grand Prix at Mandalika.

Mir’s absence follows a period of medical checks and continued recovery. He sat out the Austrian Grand Prix after extreme fatigue forced him to withdraw from the Misano race. Honda said it would provide another update on his condition after the Indonesian round.

Takaaki Nakagami filled in for Mir in Austria, but cannot take the Japanese replacement role because he is already entered as a wildcard at Motegi on a fifth Honda. The HRC test rider finished 13th in Austria, ahead of full-time Honda riders Luca Marini and Diogo Moreira. Fellow test rider Aleix Espargaro is also unavailable while recovering from back injuries, leaving Honda to call on Chantra.

Chantra raced for LCR in MotoGP in 2025, finishing 15th, before moving to Honda’s WorldSBK project this season. His rookie campaign there has brought points in seven races and a best finish of 13th, following a recovery from pre-season injuries. He also has a strong record at Motegi: he won the 2023 Moto2 Grand Prix there.

The Japanese appearance will give Chantra another opportunity in the premier class as Honda manages Mir’s recovery and its limited options for a stand-in. No further MotoGP replacement beyond Motegi has been confirmed.