LCR has announced that Moto2 race winner Somkiat Chantra will replace Takaaki Nakagami next season. As anticipated, the Thai rider will move up to the premier class, taking over the Idemitsu-backed side of the LCR garage, which Nakagami has occupied since 2018.

Currently, Chantra is ranked 10th in the Moto2 standings with Honda Team Asia. Last year, he achieved a career-best sixth place in the championship, highlighted by a remarkable victory at Honda’s home circuit in Motegi. This win marked his second career Moto2 victory. Unlike Bradl and Espargaro, Chantra’s role will be based in Japan, though he will also participate in select rounds as a test rider. Chantra represents a historic moment as the first Thai rider to compete in MotoGP.

Chantra is one of the Asian riders in the IDEMITSU MotoGP project, which was established to provide hope for young Asian riders by offering them a platform to develop and excel in the Asian Talent Cup and other classes.

Somkiat Chantra said: “I’m excited to join the LCR team. Stepping into MotoGP has always been my dream, and I am thrilled to finally make it come true. I want to thank all the sponsors and people who have supported me from the beginning of my career until now. For the next season, I’m committed to learning, giving my best, and enjoying this new adventure. It will be challenging, but I will give my all.”