Somkiat Chantra is set for a temporary MotoGP return after Honda chose him to take Joan Mir’s place at the Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi. Mir did not compete in Austria while undergoing further medical checks after the extreme fatigue that forced him out of the Misano race. His recovery and observation are continuing, ruling him out of both the Motegi and Mandalika rounds.

The choice became necessary after Takaaki Nakagami, who stood in for Mir at the Red Bull Ring, was already entered as a wildcard for his home event. Nakagami is due to ride a fifth RCV at Motegi, while HRC test rider Aleix Espargaro is still working his way back from back injuries. Crash.net also reports that Nakagami has been handling much of Honda’s 850cc testing and finished 13th in Austria, ahead of Honda regulars Luca Marini and Diogo Moreira.

A familiar circuit for Chantra

Chantra brings a useful connection to the Japanese venue: he won the 2023 Moto2 Grand Prix at Motegi. He raced for LCR in MotoGP during 2025, ending that season 15th before moving to HRC’s WorldSBK project for the current campaign.

His rookie Superbike season has yielded points in seven races, with 13th as his best result after returning from pre-season injuries. Honda therefore gets a replacement with recent MotoGP experience and a previous victory at the circuit. The manufacturer says it will issue its next update on Mir’s condition after the Indonesian Grand Prix.