Somkiat Chantra will return to the MotoGP grid at the Japanese Grand Prix after Honda HRC confirmed the Thai rider as Joan Mir's replacement at Motegi.
The announcement, made on September 23, 2026, sees Chantra step in for the 2020 world champion as he continues his recovery from an ongoing illness. The Japanese GP takes place from October 2 to 4 at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit.
Chantra competed full-time in MotoGP during the 2025 season with LCR Honda, finishing 15th at Motegi. For 2026, he has been part of Honda's World Superbike programme, where he has scored points on seven occasions while recovering from pre-season injuries. The Thai rider holds fond memories of Motegi, having won the Moto2 race there in 2023.
Mir has been dealing with undiagnosed health problems for several months. He withdrew from the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend after reporting he was operating at just 50 percent of his capacity during the San Marino GP. Honda confirmed that Mir will miss both the Japanese and Indonesian rounds.
"Joan Mir has been experiencing a variety of symptoms impacting his energy and performance for several months with a recent increase in severity, the cause is still unconfirmed at this time," said MotoGP chief medical officer Angel Charte. "Due to their persistence and severity, Mir has been undergoing a series of tests at the Dexeus University Hospital with the aim of reaching a definitive diagnosis."
Honda said updates on Mir's condition would follow the Indonesian Grand Prix.
Sources
https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2026/09/23/chantra-set-for-motogp-return-in-motegi/1092166 https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/1105061/1/joan-mir-out-first-two-asian-motogp-races-health-issues-persist
