Somkiat Chantra claimed pole position in qualifying, aiming to lead Honda HRC to defend their Suzuka 8 Hours 2026 championship.
Somkiat Chantra teamed up with Honda HRC to start the 2026 FIM Endurance World Championship at the Suzuka 8 Hours 2026 with an excellent performance, securing first place in qualifying on 3 July.
The qualifying was divided into three groups. Somkiat Chantra rode bike number 30 in the Red Rider session. In the first qualifying round, the Thai rider finished sixth with a best lap time of 02:05.763 minutes.
In the second qualifying round, Somkiat improved his performance with a lap time of 02:05.465 minutes, placing fourth in the Red Rider session. Combining the best times of Honda HRC riders secured the factory team first place in qualifying, advancing them to the Top 10 Trial. The top 10 teams will battle again to determine the starting grid on Saturday, 4 July.
Somkiat Chantra said, "During the first qualifying, the track temperature was quite high, which prevented me from achieving the lap times I wanted. In the second qualifying, the track temperature improved significantly in the afternoon, allowing me to improve my lap times and maintain more consistent riding rhythm."
"Before coming here, I had only tested the bike once. I'm very happy to have continuously improved over the past few days. Everyone on the team treats each other like family. They help me relax and focus, enabling me to enjoy riding and fully express my own riding style."
Meanwhile, Nakarin Athiratphuvapat, riding bike number 88 alongside Malaysian rider Khairul Idham Pawi and Indonesian rider Adenanta Putra, also participated in qualifying and helped Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo finish in 20th place.
The Coca-Cola Suzuka Eight Hours Endurance Road Race is scheduled for Sunday, 5 July 2026, from 09:30 to 17:30.