Thai rider Somkiat Chantra, one of the rising stars of MotoGP, will join the IDEMITSU Honda LCR team for the 2025 season. This milestone makes him the first Thai rider to be promoted to the premier class, a historic event for the sport and a debut that will coincide with that of his home circuit of Buriram, which opens the season next year.
In 2018, the IDEMITSU MotoGP project was born with an ambitious mission: to become the ultimate platform for training the champions of the future. This project acts as a beacon of hope for young Asian riders, such as Somkiat Chantra, giving them the opportunity to develop and learn at the highest level, following their time in the Asia Talent Cup and other minor categories within the ‘Road to MotoGP’ programme.
Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) made history at the Austrian GP by becoming the first Asia Talent Cup (ATC) rider to sign a contract to move up to MotoGP with the Aprilia Trackhouse Racing team. With Ogura’s former Moto2 teammate Somkiat Chantra, there are now two ATC riders to secure a seat in the premier class.
Chantra, who won the ATC title in 2016, continued his career with two years in JuniorGP and a remarkable ninth position in Moto3 at the 2018 Thai GP. In 2019, he made his debut in the Moto2 World Championship and in 2022 he claimed Thailand’s first ever win at the Indonesian GP. In 2023, he added another win at the Japanese GP, achieving his best position in the intermediate class’s overall standings.
IDEMITSU, Honda and the LCR family welcome Somkiat Chantra, looking forward to a bright future together.
Lucio Cecchinello, Honda LCR Team Principal:
“Firstly, I would like to thank Takaaki Nakagami for his extraordinary commitment over the last seven MotoGP™ seasons working together; we wish him all the best in his next chapter with Honda.”
“Looking ahead, together with HRC, we believe that now is the time to welcome a great Asian talent like Somkiat Chantra, as we think he deserves an opportunity at the highest level of two-wheeled racing.”
“Throughout his years in Moto2, he has shown his potential and his ability to grow and become a strong rider in MotoGP. LCR and Honda will put their best at his disposal to help him in the different phases of this new project.”
Somkiat Chantra:
“I am excited to join the LCR team. Moving up to MotoGP has always been my dream, and I will finally make it come true. 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 am committed to learning, giving my all and enjoying this new adventure. It will be difficult, but I will give my best.”
