Somkiat Chantra, the Thai motorcycle rider, took part in the first practice session of the 2026 World Superbike Championship Round 2 at Algarve International Circuit in Portimão, Portugal.
On 28 Mar 2026 GMT+7, the World Superbike Championship 2026 Round 2 began its first practice session Friday night, 27 March, at Algarve International Circuit in Portimão, Portugal. "Kong" Somkiat Chantra, Thai rider number 35 from the Honda HRC factory team, passed fitness tests and was ready to compete this weekend after being sidelined with injury for over six weeks. He teamed up with Jonathan Rea, six-time world champion from Ireland, rider number 65, who also recovered from injury and replaced Jake Dixon for this round.
Both Honda riders worked hard on bike setup while adapting physically, steadily improving their lap times. Both suffered high-speed crashes during the second practice session. Jonathan Rea ranked 17th with a lap time of 1 minute 41.578 seconds, 1.637 seconds behind the leader. "Kong" Somkiat Chantra finished the day 20th with a lap time of 1 minute 41.921 seconds, 1.980 seconds off the lead.
The 2026 World Superbike Championship Round 2 will continue with the third practice session and the superpole qualifying on Saturday, 28 March. The first race will start at 22:30 Thai time that same night. On Sunday, 29 March, the superpole race is scheduled for 18:10, followed by the second race at 22:30.