Somkiat Chantra, the Thai rider, unlocked points in his comeback at the first round of the 2026 World Superbike in Portugal.
The 2026 World Superbike Championship Round 2, Race 2, took place on the night of Sunday, 29 March, at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão, Portugal, covering a total of 20 laps.
This race was very significant for the development of "Kong" Somkiat Chantra, the Thai rider with bike number 35 from the factory Honda HRC team, who returned to racing after injury in the World Superbike Championship. It was important for both regaining his riding feel and gathering data for bike setup.
The Thai rider started from grid 19 but lost ground early in the race, dropping to last place. He also had to serve a "long lap penalty" carried over from the "Superpole Race," making his challenge even tougher. Nevertheless, he fought back steadily to finish 15th, crossing the line 39.124 seconds behind the winner, thus unlocking his first points.
His experienced Irish teammate Jonathan Rea, a six-time world champion with bike number 65, started from grid 18 and climbed to finish 12th, 35.353 seconds behind the winner, scoring points for himself and the team.
The next round of the 2026 World Superbike Championship will take place from 17 to 19 April at the TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands.