Somkiat Chantra is aiming to return to racing on the second spherical of the WorldSBK season after struggling a pre-season arm damage.
Chantra fell whereas coaching in Sepang in January and underwent surgical procedure on each arms. It was then confirmed that he would miss the opening spherical of the 2026 World Superbike season at Phillip Island, his rookie yr, and that HRC take a look at rider Tetta Nagashima would take his place.
As a part of Honda’s WorldSBK group launch, Chantra stated he’s at present recovering nicely and hopes to return for the second race in Portugal, which can be held from March 27 to 29.
“As everybody is aware of, I broke my arm and the physician stated, ‘You should not go to the primary spherical, it is best to go to the second spherical,'” Somkiat Chantra stated in a video posted on the Honda HRC YouTube channel.
“I need to be in race two. I actually miss the entire group proper now and I need to get again on the bike. I’ll do my greatest to be again for race two.”
Chantra added in a press launch quote: “My restoration goes nicely and I’m pleased with how issues are going after surgical procedure.
“It was a optimistic step to have the ability to take away the protecting gear and sutures straight away, however I nonetheless want a while earlier than I can journey a motorbike once more. For now, my focus is on staying calm, persevering with my restoration, and ensuring I am totally prepared earlier than I get again on the bike.”
Chantra missed each January exams and can miss the Australian spherical from February 20-22, however the Thai rider was capable of journey a WorldSBK-spec Fireblade at Jerez final November.
“I actually loved spending time with the Honda HRC group for the primary time on the Jerez take a look at final November,” he mirrored.
“From the second I walked into the storage, I felt welcomed and instantly felt like a household.
“Becoming a member of the Honda manufacturing facility group was a giant step for me and an important mission, and it meant loads to me that the group made me really feel relaxed and cozy straight away.
“From a technical standpoint, I had beforehand ridden a regular CBR1000RR-R for coaching functions. Testing the WorldSBK model was a distinct expertise, however I received really feel straight away.
“Throughout testing, I targeted on studying and understanding the bike step-by-step and labored carefully with the group to determine areas that wanted enchancment, reminiscent of my using model when braking and altering gears.
“Throughout this era, I remained in shut contact with the group and up to date Mori-san (Yuji Mori, Honda HRC group supervisor) and crew chief Sasaki (Tetsuya) about my restoration standing.
“Clearly I am disenchanted that I will not be capable to play within the opening match, nevertheless it’s the best factor to do to observe the recommendation of my medical doctors.
“I’ll miss the group, however I’m dedicated to doing all the pieces I can to get again as quickly as potential. I want to thank everybody at Honda HRC for his or her assist and I’m actually wanting ahead to being again and contributing to the group’s progress.”
