Published: 29 Aug 2024
Somkiat Chantra to Replace Nakagami in Honda's 2025 MotoGP Line-Up
LCR Honda has announced Somkiat Chantra’s step-up to the MotoGP class in 2025. The Thai will replace long-time team member Takaaki Nakagami.
LCR Honda has officially announced that Thai rider Somkiat Chantra will step up to the MotoGP class in 2025, replacing long-time team member Takaaki Nakagami. The move had been widely anticipated over the past few weeks as rumors surrounding Nakagami’s retirement picked up.
Chantra, currently racing for Honda Team Asia in Moto2, will take over the Idemitsu-backed side of the LCR Honda garage.
The 25-year-old will make history as the first Thai rider to compete in MotoGP, setting a significant milestone for both the rider and the sport in Southeast Asia as his home race at Buriram is set to open the 2025 season.
Reflecting on his promotion, Chantra expressed his excitement and gratitude: “Joining the LCR team is a dream come true. Competing in MotoGP has always been my goal, and I am grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout my career.”
“I know the challenges ahead will be immense, but I am fully committed to giving my best and learning as much as possible.”
Chantra’s Moto2 career includes two race victories, the most recent being a memorable win at Honda’s home circuit in Motegi last year, which helped him secure a sixth-place finish in the 2023 championship standings.
Lucio Cecchinello, LCR team principal, spoke highly of Chantra’s potential: “We are excited to welcome Somkiat to our MotoGP team.”
“Over his years in Moto2, he has demonstrated the skill and determination needed to compete at the highest level. We believe that with the right support, he can become a formidable force in MotoGP.”
The announcement also marks the end of Takaaki Nakagami’s full-time MotoGP career, a journey that began in 2018 with LCR Honda. Nakagami has been a mainstay of the team for seven seasons.
In a statement, Nakagami announced his decision to retire from full-time racing at the end of the 2024 season. “I have decided to conclude my MotoGP career at the end of this year.”
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the fans, sponsors, and the entire LCR team who have supported me over the years. I look forward to contributing to Honda’s future as a test rider.”
Nakagami will transition into a crucial role within HRC, joining the test team alongside Stefan Bradl and new recruit Aleix Espargaro.
The Japanese’s experience in MotoGP will be invaluable as HRC continues to struggle bringing the RC213V back into contention. Nakagami’s testing duties will be based primarily in Japan but will include wildcards and development work in Europe.
Lucio Cecchinello paid tribute to Nakagami’s contributions, saying, “Taka has been an outstanding rider and a true professional. His dedication and kindness have left a lasting impression on all of us at LCR.”
“We are grateful for his years of service and look forward to continuing our collaboration as he takes on his new role with HRC.”
