In addition to Franco Morbidelli, rookie Somkiat Chantra will also start with a three-position disadvantage on Sunday: here’s the decision of the stewards’ panel.
The first day at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram has concluded, and for the first time in MotoGP history, this Grand Prix will feature a home rider. It’s rookie Somkiat Chantra, who made his debut aboard his LCR Honda, sponsored by Idemitsu.
The Thai rider, who finished seventeenth in FP1 this morning, has been struggling at the start of the season: in practice, he had to settle for a disappointing twenty-first place, ahead of only substitute Lorenzo Savadori. The Q1 session tomorrow will be crucial for him, as it will determine his starting grid position, although number 35 has very little chance of making it to Q2.
Along with these initial difficulties, Somkiat Chantra will also be penalized in his first long race in the premier class. In the MotoGP statement shared by Sky Sport, it reads: “On February 28, 2025, at 15:49:40, during the pre-qualification session of the Thai GP, it was observed that you (referring to Chantra) were riding slowly, disturbing rider number 73 in Turn 1.”
As per the rules, the first offense will cost the rider a 3-position penalty on the starting grid for Sunday’s race.
Photo: Somkiat Chantra