Kong Somkiat Provides Update After Surgery, Targets Mid-March Comeback

Kong Somkiat Chantra, Thailand's historic first MotoGP rider signed with Honda HRC for the 2026 World Superbike Championship, has provided an update on his injury status after surgery. He suffered a lower right arm bone fracture during private training at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia on January 15. During a February 6 motorsport policy press conference, Kong reported that he underwent surgery on January 17 and is now in recovery, with his condition significantly improving. He believes he will be ready to compete again by mid-March, with a test race scheduled at the Portimão circuit in Portugal. He emphasized that this is a challenging year as his first in the World Superbike series, with his primary goal being to return to competition and bring Thailand's flag to the podium.