Somkiat Chantra Set for MotoGP Return at Motegi as Joan Mir Continues Recovery

Motegi, Japan, September 23, 2026: Somkiat Chantra will make his return to the MotoGP premier class at the Japanese Grand Prix, with Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) confirming that the Thai rider will replace Joan Mir aboard the Honda HRC Castrol RC213V at Motegi.

Mir is continuing his recovery and observation period following medical concerns that emerged after the San Marino Grand Prix. HRC said further updates on the 2020 MotoGP World Champion’s condition will be provided after the Indonesian Grand Prix.

Chantra, who became Thailand’s first MotoGP premier-class rider in 2025, returns to the RC213V after spending the 2026 season competing in the FIM World Superbike Championship with Honda HRC WorldSBK.

The Japanese Grand Prix will have added significance for Chantra, with Motegi being the circuit where he secured a memorable Moto2 victory in 2023.

The Thai rider also has recent MotoGP experience at the Japanese venue. During the 2025 season, Chantra finished 15th aboard the Honda RC213V at Motegi.

His 2026 WorldSBK campaign has seen Chantra score points on seven occasions, despite continuing to recover from injuries sustained during pre-season.

Chantra’s return gives him another opportunity to compete in the premier class as Honda continues its 2026 MotoGP campaign. The Japanese Grand Prix also represents a home event for Honda, adding further significance to the manufacturer’s rider line-up for the weekend.

For Mir, the focus remains on completing his recovery programme before returning to competition. HRC is expected to provide another update following the Indonesian Grand Prix.