Honda HRC Confirms Kong Somkiat Will Miss First World Superbike Race Due to Injury

Honda HRC has confirmed that Thai rider Kong Somkiat Chantra will miss the first round of the 2026 World Superbike Championship due to injury recovery. The 27-year-old rider previously suffered an accident during training at Sepang International Circuit and was taken to a hospital in Kuala Lumpur, where X-rays revealed a broken right arm. Honda HRC, Somkiat's team, has updated his injury status and confirmed he is not ready for the first competition scheduled for February. The team has announced that Tetsuya Nagashima will replace Somkiat for the World Superbike Championship's first race. Somkiat continues his physical recovery and will not be able to compete at Phillip Island. After examinations in Bangkok, his cast was removed, which is considered a positive development. However, his recovery period will cause him to miss the season opener. Tetsuya Nagashima will join Jake Dixon on the Honda HRC team, with Ryan Vickers participating as a wildcard entry. Best wishes for Somkiat's complete recovery.