MotoGP: LCR Honda signs Somkiat Chantra as Takaaki

LCR Honda has announced that Thai Moto2 rider Somkiat Chantra will join its MotoGP line-up for the 2025 season, replacing Takaaki Nakagami. Chantra currently races in Moto2 for Honda Team Asia and has been performing well, finishing sixth overall last year and winning the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi. He will move up to the premier class, taking over the Idemitsu Kosan-backed LCR seat that Nakagami has held since 2018. Chantra will partner Johann Zarco, who joins from Pramac Ducati in 2024 for another season at LCR.

Somkiat Chantra said: “I am very happy to join the LCR team. It has always been my dream to make it to MotoGP and I will finally achieve this dream. I want to thank all my sponsors and everyone who has supported me from the beginning of my career to now. Next season, I am committed to learning, doing my best and enjoying this new adventure. It will be difficult, but I will do my best.”

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MotoGP: Shinji Nakagami’s next move

Nakagami will move to Honda as a test rider in 2025, marking the end of his full-time MotoGP career. He will join the test team based in Japan alongside Stefan Bradl and newcomer Aleix Espargaro, and will participate in selected Grand Prix weekends to support Honda’s development.

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Takaaki Nakagami: “I have decided to end my career as a MotoGP rider at the end of the 2024 season. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the fans who have supported me so enthusiastically. 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 be able to use my seven years of experience in MotoGP; I am excited about my new chapter. Finally, I would like to thank Lucio and the entire LCR, because I felt like part of a big family and I had a lot of fun with them all these years; they will always be in my heart!”

Nakagami has eight seasons of MotoGP experience under his belt, having competed in over 100 races and taking a memorable pole position at the 2020 Aragon Grand Prix.