Chantra Will Replace Mir at Japanese Grand Prix
Somkiat Chantra takes over for Joan Mir at Motegi due to the latter's medical recovery from extreme fatigue.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Motorsports
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Somkiat Chantra will compete at the Japanese Grand Prix next weekend, replacing Joan Mir. Mir will also miss the upcoming Mandalika Grand Prix as he undergoes medical checks for extreme fatigue.
Why it matters
The rider swap comes as Honda manages its roster following Mir's ongoing health concerns, which have required him to remain under medical observation since missing the Austrian Grand Prix.
Somkiat Chantra previously won the 2023 Moto2 Grand Prix at Motegi and has scored points seven times during his WorldSBK campaign. Honda will enter a total of five RCV bikes in the upcoming Japanese event.
The players
Somkiat Chantra
He is a motorcycle racer who transitioned from LCR MotoGP to HRC's WorldSBK project.
Joan Mir
He is a professional rider who won the 2020 MotoGP world championship.
Takaaki Nakagami
He is a motorcycle racer designated to compete as a wildcard entry on a fifth RCV in Japan.
Luca Marini
He currently serves as a factory Honda rider.
The details
Honda decided on the replacement after confirming Takaaki Nakagami as a wildcard entry to ride a fifth RCV machine at the Motegi track. Chantra, who raced for LCR in 2025, currently competes for the HRC WorldSBK project.
Timeline
2023: Chantra won the Motegi Moto2 Grand Prix.
2025: Chantra raced for LCR in MotoGP.
September 2026: Mir missed the Austrian round due to fatigue.
Next weekend: Chantra will race in the Japanese Grand Prix.
Following Indonesian Grand Prix: Honda will provide a medical update on Mir.
Season Trajectory
The move to bring in Chantra reflects Honda's efforts to maintain competitiveness as it rotates riders through its five-bike fleet. This update follows the 2023 Motegi Moto2 Grand Prix, where Chantra previously demonstrated his capability to master the circuit.
Fantasy players and race observers should note that Chantra will utilize a Honda RCV machine for the Japanese Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Honda will field five RCVs in total at Motegi, including the wildcard entry piloted by Takaaki Nakagami.
The takeaway
Rider health remains a critical factor in the MotoGP season, forcing teams to rely on their reserve and development talent. Fans should monitor official team channels for medical updates to understand how these temporary roster shifts might impact future Grand Prix entries.
What happens next
Honda is scheduled to provide a formal medical update regarding Joan Mir's condition following the conclusion of the Indonesian Grand Prix.
Further reading
For more updates on professional motorcycle racing, visit our Motorsports section.
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