Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) achieved his first top ten Moto2™ result after crossing the line in P10 at the Gran Premio Motul de la República Argentina.
This was the Thai rider’s second intermediate class start after his debut in Qatar, and just the third time he’s raced a Grand Prix in his career. This P10 wasn’t his first top ten Grand Prix finish though, with the then 19-year-old taking the chequered flag in ninth on his debut wildcard appearance in the 2018 Thailand Moto3™ race.
These two results, in classes as competitive as Moto3™ and Moto2™, indicates Chantra could be on for a stellar rookie campaign in 2019. And who knows, if the improvements continue by the time we get to the Thai GP in October, Chantra could well get Buriram bouncing if he's challenging for a top five and beyond.
“Today it was my first race at Moto2 category after the problem in Qatar,” said Chantra. “I am super happy to finish in 10th position! In the first part of the race I felt very good and I push fighting with many riders but in the last 10 laps I feel very tight with my arm and I have to change my riding style to be more smooth. In the end it was very good. This cannot be possible without my team that always they work hard for me. Thanks to my fans, Thanks to the sponsors and Honda!”
Next up for the Thai rider is another new circuit in the shape of Circuit of the Americas. Will we see the number 35 rider pocket more points in Austin?