MotoGP: LCR Honda Signs Somkiat Chantra as Takaaki Nakagami's Replacement

Somkiat Chantra will make history next season as the first Thai rider to compete full-time in MotoGP, joining the Honda-LCR team.

LCR Honda has announced that Thai Moto2 rider Somkiat Chantra will replace Takaaki Nakagami in their MotoGP lineup for the 2025 season. Chantra, currently riding for Honda Team Asia in Moto2, has consistently performed well, finishing sixth overall last year and winning the Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi. He will move up to the premier class, taking over the Idemitsu-backed LCR seat held by Nakagami since 2018. Chantra will partner with Johann Zarco, who will stay with LCR for another season after joining from Pramac Ducati in 2024.

Somkiat Chantra said: 'I'm excited to join the LCR team. Stepping into MotoGP has always been my dream, and I will finally make it 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 maximum, and enjoying this new adventure. It will be difficult, but I will give my best.'

Also Read: MotoGP Confirms Circuit Brno Return to 2025 Calendar

MotoGP: Nakagami's Next Move

Nakagami will shift to a test rider role for Honda in 2025, marking the end of his full-time MotoGP career. He'll join Stefan Bradl and newcomer Aleix Espargaro on the test team, based in Japan, and will participate in select Grand Prix weekends to support Honda's development.

MotoGP LCR Honda Takaaki Nakagami

Also Read: MotoGP: KTM Confirms Pol Espargaro for San Marino GP Wildcard

Takaaki Nakagami: "I've decided to end my career as a MotoGP rider at the end of the 2024 season. I want to express my sincere gratitude to all the fans who have warmly supported me. I would also like to thank IDEMITSU and HONDA for their long-term support. From 2025, I will be involved in the development of HRC machines. It is gratifying to make use of my seven years of experience at MotoGP; I'm excited about my new chapter. Finally, I want to thank Lucio and the whole LCR because I've felt like part of a family, and these years have been incredible with them; they will always be in my heart!"

Nakagami has amassed eight seasons of MotoGP experience, participating in over 100 races and securing a memorable pole position at the Aragon Grand Prix in 2020.