Somkiat Chantra smiles with his eyes wide open. Two years ago, he was the first Thai rider in history to win a MotoGP race (he did it in Buriram, on his home track, in the Moto2), and now he's going to be the first to race in the Premier Class next season. As announced this morning, he'll do so with Honda and the LCR team.
When he was called into the opening press conference of the Aragon GP, handling his emotions wasn't easy, but he did his best to make clear how he felt clear: "I'm very happy with this call to the MotoGP next year. When I heard about it, I cried, then I called my mom on the phone, and she cried too," he said smiling. "I want to thank all the people who supported me in the past, from the Asia Talent Cup, to the CEV, and up to now."
To make it to the top category of motorcycling for a young boy growing up in Pattaya isn't a given. Somkiat recalled his first steps, "There was the Honda Racing School on a circuit not far from home. You paid very little, all you needed was a helmet and overalls, and you could ride. So, after school, I'd go to the track. After a year ,they selected me for the Asia Talent Cup and, just being there, along with twenty-two other riders, made me very happy."
Making everything even more perfect is the fact that he'll be making his MotoGP racing debut on his home track. Buriram, in fact, will be the inaugural GP in the upcoming season.
"It's great news. It's going to be the first race, and I hope this very fast rider next to me can help me. In fact, I hope he'll do it already in the Valencia test," he said as he pointed to Aleix Espargarò, Honda's next test rider, sitting next to him. The Spanish rider promised that he would. After all, Chantra's smile is irresistible.