Somkiat Chantra replaces injured Johann Zarco for Suzuka 8 Hours
Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has confirmed that Johann Zarco will miss the 47th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race after sustaining injuries in a crash during the MotoGP Grand Prix of Catalunya.
Zarco was originally scheduled to be part of Honda’s lineup for the prestigious endurance race, which forms part of the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) and will be held on July 5, 2026.
The French rider was involved in a multi-rider incident at Turn 1 immediately after the restart of the Catalunya Grand Prix in Barcelona on May 17. The crash resulted in ligament damage to his left knee as well as a small fracture to his fibula near the ankle, forcing him to withdraw from this year’s Suzuka 8 Hours.
To fill the vacant seat, HRC has turned to Thai rider Somkiat Chantra, who currently competes in the Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) with the factory Honda HRC team.
Chantra is no stranger to the Honda family, having progressed through several levels of motorcycle racing under the Japanese manufacturer’s development program. Throughout his career, he has raced in Moto3, Moto2, MotoGP, and most recently WorldSBK, making him a familiar and experienced choice for Honda’s endurance racing campaign.
The Suzuka 8 Hours remains one of the most prestigious motorcycle races in the world and is considered a key event for Japanese manufacturers. Honda will enter this year’s edition aiming to secure its fifth consecutive victory at the iconic endurance race.
HRC also expressed its support for Zarco and wished the Frenchman a speedy recovery as he continues his rehabilitation from the injuries sustained in Spain.
