Anticipating a comeback next race: Somkiat Chantra, a historic Thai rider, misses the first round of the 2026 World Superbike season.
Updates on the World Superbike Championship 2026 reveal the season opener is set for 20-22 February at Phillip Island, Australia. Honda HRC, a top team in the championship, officially confirmed that Thai rider "Kong" Somkiat Chantra must withdraw from the opening race at Phillip Island due to an injury sustained during practice at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, in mid-January.
Somkiat Chantra returned to Thailand for surgery performed by a medical team to treat injuries on both arms. His right arm was placed in a cast, while the left arm did not require one. Following surgery, he is intensively rehabilitating and preparing to return to competition in upcoming races.
Somkiat Chantra said, "My injury is steadily improving. Both my physical condition and morale are recovering well. I want to thank all motorsport fans for their continuous support and encourage everyone to keep following and cheering for me."
Due to recovery time, Honda HRC decided to have Japanese test rider Tetsuta Nagashima race in place of Somkiat Chantra for the first round in Australia, alongside his British teammate Jake Dixon, number 96.