The LCR Honda had confirmed that one of their riders, specifically Somkiat Chantra, had surgery this week to treat a condition known as arm pump. This problem forced him to stop racing during the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez. This track is known for being tough on riders’ arms, especially because of its many tight corners. Chantra began feeling serious pain and weakness in his right arm during the race and had to retire after 14 laps.

To explain, arm pump, officially known as compartment syndrome, happens when the muscle in the forearm gets swollen from overuse. This swelling reduces blood flow, making it hard for riders to grip the handlebars or control the bike properly.

However, this condition is not new in MotoGP. In 2022, Fabio Quartararo also suffered from arm pump at Jerez and fell from first place to 13th by the end of the race.

So, Chantra had surgery on Wednesday, April 30, in Barcelona at the Hospital Universitari Dexeus. The operation was done by the well-known MotoGP doctor, Dr. Xavier Mir. According to LCR Honda, the surgery went well and Chantra has already left the hospital to begin his recovery in Barcelona.

He will have a medical check-up next Tuesday to see if he is fit to race at the French Grand Prix in Le Mans. And even though Chantra took part in the test after the Spanish Grand Prix on Monday, he only rode during the afternoon session because of his arm pain.

So far, this year has been tough for Chantra, as he is the first Thai rider in MotoGP history. He has yet to score any points, and his best finish so far was 16th place at the Americas Grand Prix in March.