Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) confirm that Somkiat Chantra will step in for Joan Mir at the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, as the Spaniard continues his recovery and observation period following medical concerns first raised after the San Marino GP.
Chantra, who competed in the premier class during the 2025 season with Honda LCR, has spent 2026 competing as part of HRC’s World Superbike programme. He now returns to the premier class at Motegi, a circuit holding personal significance as the site of his memorable Moto2 victory in 2023.
In 2025, Thailand’s first Premier Class rider scored a 15th place finish aboard the Honda RC213V in Motegi. His 2026 campaign in WorldSBK has seen Chantra take points on seven occasions while recovering from pre-season injuries.
Mir will continue his recovery programme with updates on his condition to be shared after the Indonesian Grand Prix.
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