Somkiat jets off to achieve ‘big things’ in new Moto2 season
Thai racer Somkiat "Kong" Chantra is revving up for his fifth season of Moto2 after jetting from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Spain on Saturday night.
Somkiat, 24, is targeting a place in the top five of the standings this year following his 10th place last season, when he became the first Thai to win a motorcycle grand prix after taking the chequered flag in Indonesia. He also clinched three other podium finishes in what was a breakthrough year for the Thai.
Spain's Pedro Acosta of Kalex won the Moto2 crown last year ahead of teammate and compatriot Augusto Fernandez.
The first racer under the "Honda Race to the Dream" project, Somkiat heads into this season with the ultimate aim of winning promotion to the top-flight MotoGP competition.
The 2023 Moto2 season starts in Portugal on March 26.
The Chonburi native said he had trained hard and was ready to achieve bigger things over the 21 legs of this season. He will also be targeting a win at the Thailand Grand Prix in October. The 2023 season ends in Valencia on November 26.
"During training, I studied mistakes made in the previous year, and I will improve this year," he said.
Thai racing fans were joined at the airport by Thai Honda Manufacturing executives, led by executive vice president Arak Phornprapha, to cheer Somkiat as he left for the new season.
The rider thanked Sports Authority of Thailand for supporting him and Thai fans for their encouragement. He also vowed to do his best to bring a smile to the faces of Thai fans.
Motorsport fans can get updates on Somkiat’s progress this season via Race to The Dream Facebook page.
Related stories:
Thai Honda announces 2023 motorsport plan, emphasising development of Thai racers
Taekwondo’s Panipak named Thailand’s top athlete 2nd year running
Somkiat wraps up memorable world Moto2 season with overall 10th place
