Bad news continues from the Honda garage: the Japanese satellite team will line up only Johann Zarco on the grid. There will be no replacement for the injured Chantra.
MotoGP arrives at Balaton Park for the first Hungarian round of the championship: this new venture could help level the playing field between the different teams, as no one currently has data on the new circuit. However, once again, Lucio Cecchinello’s team will be at a disadvantage, being able to count only on Johann Zarco.
Somkiat Chantra’s RC213V will remain in the garage for another weekend, after even the replacement rider, Aleix Espargaro, was deemed unfit to take part in the Grand Prix.
Team Statement
The information was released just a few minutes ago via the team’s social media channels, where they stated: “The IDEMITSU Honda LCR team had confirmed Aleix Espargaro as the replacement for Somkiat Chantra for the Hungarian Grand Prix, as Chantra is still recovering from injury.
Unfortunately, Aleix had a bicycle accident a few days ago. Although it initially seemed minor, he arrived at the circuit on Thursday morning with severe back pain. Medical exams revealed an issue involving the L3 vertebra. He will now return to Barcelona for further examination at the Hospital Universitari Dexeus.
Given the circumstances, Somkiat Chantra will not be replaced this weekend. The IDEMITSU Honda LCR team thanks Aleix for his availability and wishes him a speedy recovery.”
Photo: Aleix Espargaro, LCR Honda
