Honda Racing Corporation have confirmed that Somkiat Chantra will step in for Honda HRC Castrol rider Joan Mir at the upcoming Japanese GP, as the Spaniard continues his recovery 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 MotoGP at Motegi, a circuit holding personal significance as the site of his memorable Moto2 victory in 2023.
In 2025, Thailand’s first MotoGP 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.