Somkiat Chantra to miss Austrian and Hungarian GP

The IDEMITSU Honda LCR rider continues knee injury recovery, with no replacement for Austria before HRC test rider Espargaró fills the seat in Hungary.

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IDEMITSU Honda LCR’s Somkiat Chantra will be sidelined for the next two MotoGP rounds as he continues to recover from a right knee ligament injury sustained in training after the Dutch GP. The Thai rider underwent surgery and had been working toward a return at this weekend’s Austrian GP, but a midweek medical evaluation determined he is not yet fit to race.

On Wednesday morning, MotoGP Medical Director Ángel Charte and specialists at the University Dexeus Hospital in Barcelona assessed Chantra’s condition and ruled out his participation in Austria and Hungary.

With several Honda test riders and potential stand-ins also recovering from injuries, IDEMITSU Honda LCR confirmed they will not field a replacement for Austria.

For the following round at Balaton Park in Hungary, however, HRC test rider Aleix Espargaró will step in to take Chantra’s place. The #35 is expected to return to racing at his home round in Barcelona.

The team and fans alike have extended their well-wishes to Chantra, who will focus on a full recovery before rejoining the championship fight.