Somkiat Chantra turned a substitute ride at Motegi into a points-scoring MotoGP return. Standing in for Joan Mir at Honda HRC, the Thai rider finished 15th in the Japanese Grand Prix and collected three points. It was his first appearance in the premier class since moving to WorldSBK at the end of the previous year, and his first race on Michelin tyres in a little over 10 months.

The opportunity came after a difficult run of results. Chantra’s only full MotoGP season, in 2025, was interrupted by injuries and several missed races. His best finish was 13th and he scored seven points over the campaign. His first WorldSBK season was also affected by injury, and after returning to full fitness he had not yet recorded a top-10 finish.

A quick return to confidence

Motegi nevertheless gave Chantra a much more encouraging experience. He said he was much happier than he had been in 2025 because he could stay with the other riders, join the battles and enjoy the race. The three points therefore mattered beyond their championship value: they showed that the replacement appearance could become a competitive outing rather than simply a return to the grid.

The Honda HRC also required little immediate rearrangement. Chantra said the bike felt right from the opening practice session, with its power, traction and engine braking working well. He only adapted the engine-braking setting in two or three corners. That allowed him to focus on matching the pace instead of making major changes to the motorcycle.

Chantra was called up because Joan Mir had been unable to ride after the Misano race in mid-September, with illness keeping him out of the Japanese Grand Prix. For Chantra, the Motegi weekend brought together a premier-class return, a first ride on Michelin tyres in more than 10 months and a result that offered a clear lift after a difficult period.