Somkiat Chantra Bio
Early Life and Background
Somkiat Chantra was born on 15 December 1998 in Chonburi, Thailand. Growing up in a region known for its motorsports culture, Chantra was exposed to motorcycle racing from an early age. His passion for racing led him to pursue a career in motorsports, ultimately making significant strides in various junior championships.
Path to MotoGP
Chantra began his racing career in the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup, where he gained recognition by winning the championship in 2016. He then progressed to the FIM CEV Moto3 Junior World Championship in 2017, where he showcased his talent by qualifying for pole position in the season opener, despite crashing out. His consistent performances in the following seasons laid the groundwork for his eventual transition to the MotoGP.
Somkiat Chantra Career
Early Career (2018)
Chantra made his Grand Prix debut at the 2018 Thailand motorcycle Grand Prix, where he finished ninth and earned seven points. This performance secured him a full-time ride for the following season in the Moto3 World Championship, where he competed with Honda.
Moto2 World Championship Breakthrough (2019–2024)
In 2019, Chantra joined the newly formed Honda Asia Team in the Moto2 World Championship. As a rookie, he scored 23 points, outperforming his teammates. However, the 2020 season proved challenging, with Chantra only managing to score points in two races. He rebounded in 2021, finishing the season with 37 points and achieving a fifth-place finish in Austria, marking a significant improvement for both him and the team.
In 2024, Chantra continued to compete in Moto2, finishing the season in 12th place with 104 points, including two race wins and six podiums throughout his career in the series.
MotoGP Breakthrough (2025)
On 29 August 2024, Chantra was announced as the replacement for Takaaki Nakagami in the LCR Honda squad for the 2025 MotoGP World Championship, making him the first Thai rider to sign a MotoGP contract. His debut season was marked by challenges, including an arm pump surgery that sidelined him after the Spanish Grand Prix. Despite these setbacks, he managed to score his first point at the Dutch TT before facing further injuries that limited his participation in subsequent races.
Honda HRC Era (2026–Present)
Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, it was announced that Chantra would transition to the Superbike World Championship with Honda HRC for the 2026 season, alongside Jake Dixon. This move represents a new chapter in his racing career as he seeks to establish himself in a different competitive environment.
Motorcycle Racer Style and Strengths
Chantra is known for his aggressive riding style and ability to adapt to various racing conditions. His experience in multiple championships has honed his skills, making him a formidable competitor on the track.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Throughout his career, Chantra has achieved significant milestones, including winning the Asia Talent Cup and securing multiple podium finishes in the Moto2 World Championship. His debut in MotoGP marked a historic moment for Thai motorsports.
Somkiat Chantra Career Wins
Somkiat Chantra has recorded notable achievements across various motorcycle racing series, including wins in the Moto2 World Championship.
Current MotoGP Series Highlights
In the 2025 MotoGP season, Chantra participated in 17 races, scoring a total of 7 points. His first points in the series came at the Dutch TT, showcasing his potential despite a challenging debut season.
Previous Moto2 Series Achievements
During his time in the Moto2 World Championship, Chantra secured 2 wins and 6 podium finishes, culminating in a 12th place finish in the 2024 championship standings with 104 points.
Somkiat Chantra Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details regarding Chantra’s family background and lineage in racing are not publicly documented.
Personal Life
Information about Chantra’s personal life remains private, with little public information available.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a challenging one for Somkiat Chantra in the MotoGP. After a promising start, he faced difficulties that included an arm pump surgery and subsequent injuries that limited his participation in several races. Despite these setbacks, he managed to score his first points at the Dutch TT, providing a glimpse of his potential. As the season progresses, Chantra aims to build on this experience and improve his performance in the remaining races.
