Pioneer Somkiat Chantra: First Thai rider in MotoGP and the World Superbike Championship

Until the early 2000s, Japan in particular was a major force in motor racing, but that has changed over time. Nowadays, there are very few Asian riders in world championships. In the Superbike World Championship, Somkiat Chantra (Honda) is the only one. The 27-year-old previously raced in Moto2 and MotoGP. A promising guest appearance in Moto3 paved the way for the Thai rider to reach the international stage.

As a teenager, Chantra was part of the Honda Academy and was given the chance to become a professional racing driver through the Asia Talent Cup. From there, his career took off.

“I was selected at the end of 2013 and then started racing in 2014. I didn’t think I’d make it, as there were so many applicants,” recalls Chantra. “I could hardly believe it when I was given the chance to compete in Moto3 in Thailand on a wildcard in 2018. When I finished in the top 10 in the race, the Honda Team Asia immediately entered me for Moto2 in 2019. I never thought there’d be a way to move up to Moto2 and MotoGP. I felt a certain amount of pressure from my country and the Thai people, especially when I moved up to MotoGP. I was the first Thai rider to compete in the premier class. But I was also very happy because I was able to show young riders that they too have the chance to reach world-class level.”

In the 2025 MotoGP season, however, the Thai rider was unable to make his mark – scoring just seven points from 17 starts – and was subsequently moved by Honda to the World Superbike Championship. There are many reasons why things aren’t going much better there, and this is only to a limited extent – if at all – down to Chantra’s ability – the CBR1000RR-R is simply not competitive.

“This period held many surprises for me. I quickly understood the differences between racing in Asia and racing at an international level – the riding technique, the lap times, simply everything. For me, it was generally down to the circuits and my experience,” Chantra continued. “When I moved from Moto2 to MotoGP, I just had to get used to the bike and, of course, I already knew the circuits. When I switched from MotoGP to the World Superbike Championship, however, I was faced with circuits I’d never seen before, such as Donington and Most. In cases like that, I have more work to do, as I have to adapt to both the bike and the track. But no matter where I am, no matter where I’m racing, I’m always happy – that’s a constant and has always been the case throughout my career.”

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At 27, Chantra could still have a long career ahead of him in the Superbike paddock. However, his contract with the Honda Racing Corporation works team has not yet been renewed for 2027. He has no regrets about the path he has taken. “I’d advise myself to do exactly the same thing all over again,” emphasised the Thai rider. “If I hadn’t done everything I’ve done, I probably wouldn’t be where I am now. And I’m not sure what I’d be doing if I’d never taken up road racing.”