Axed MotoGP rider's woes continue after new stint begins with injury

Chantra is set to line up alongside British former Moto2 rider Jake Dixon at Honda’s Superbike team for the 2026 season.

Following a difficult stint in MotoGP where he represented LCR Honda alongside Johann Zarco and finished at the lower end of the rankings, Chantra made the switch over to the Superbike championship with the hopes of finding better fortune at the front-end of the field.

Unfortunately, Chantra's introduction to World Superbike racing has been less than a warm welcome after suffering the arm break during a private training session at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. 

Honda issued the following statement on the crash: “Somkiat Chantra suffered a crash during a private training session at the Sepang International Circuit while riding a stock Honda CBR1000RR-R machine. The Thai rider was taken to hospital in Kuala Lumpur, where X-rays identified a fracture to his right forearm. Back in Thailand, Chantra will undergo further medical assessments. Honda HRC will provide additional updates in the coming days.”

So far no timeline has been given for his recovery, but he will be hoping to return to fitness before the WSBK season opener at Australia’s Phillip Island circuit on 20-22 February. 

Chantra made history in 2025 as the first ever Thai rider in MotoGP history. The “Land of Smiles” has a large MotoGP fanbase, particularly since the series began hosting races there at the Buriram circuit back in 2018.

Following cancellations due to COVID in the 2020-21 seasons, the circuit returned in 2022 as is due to hold the opening race weekend of the 2026 calendar from 27 February - 1 March. 

Marc Marquez took victory in both the sprint and main race at Buriram in 2025 and will be hoping to repeat that success at this year's season opener.

Check out the full calendar for the coming 2026 MotoGP season here.

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