Somkiat Chantra, a brand new member of Honda World Superbike, suffered a serious blow earlier than making his debut within the collection after breaking his proper arm throughout coaching.
The 2-time Moto2 race winner was promoted to the premier class by LCR Honda final yr and made historical past by changing into the primary Thai rider to compete in MotoGP.
Nonetheless, Somkiat Chantra struggled to adapt to the MotoGP machine from the beginning, scoring simply seven factors all through the season and ending twenty sixth within the standings.
He initially had a two-year contract with LCR to compete in MotoGP, however Honda opted to maneuver him to the World Superbike venture.
With exams simply across the nook and the 2026 season opener in Australia simply over a month away, Chantra’s begin to the yr has been a serious setback.
Honda introduced on Friday morning that he suffered a fractured proper arm in a coaching accident in Sepang.
A timeline for his restoration has not been disclosed.
Honda stated in an announcement: “Throughout a non-public coaching session on the Sepang Worldwide Circuit, Somkiat Chantra suffered a crash whereas driving a real Honda CBR1000RR-R.
“The Thai rider was taken to a hospital in Kuala Lumpur the place X-rays confirmed a fracture in his proper forearm.
“As soon as again in Thailand, Chantra will endure additional medical exams.
“Honda HRC will present further updates within the coming days.”
The 2026 World Superbike Marketing campaign is scheduled to start at Phillip Island from February twentieth to twenty second.
Chantra will be a part of Honda’s World Superbike group alongside fellow Moto2 race winner Jake Dixon, coming from the Grand Prix paddock.
Honda haven’t gained a World Superbike since 2016, however have utterly revamped their line-up after Iker Lecuona left for Ducati and Xavi Vierge moved to Yamaha.
In LCR, Honda moved away from the second spot on a satellite tv for pc group devoted to Asian riders.
As an alternative, present Moto2 champion Diogo Moreira will experience the Professional Honda sponsored RC213V and tackle Johann Zarco.
