Somkiat Chantra has admitted he “still can’t move” his right arm in the same way despite returning to WorldSBK action at the Portimao test.
Chantra joined the WorldSBK grid as a Honda factory rider after departing from the MotoGP grid at the end of the 2025 season, but has yet to make his debut after breaking both his arms in a training accident.
After two months away, Chantra officially returned to action in the two-day Portimao test, in his first outing aboard the Honda in 2026.
Despite finishing the first day of testing in 11th, the 27-year-old admitted he still feels “a bit of pain” on right-hand corner entries due to his injuries.
“It was, of course, good to be back on the bike and able to test, even if the weather only allowed us to complete around 40 laps,” Chantra told WorldSBK.com.
“I tried to take it step by step to see how my arms felt.
“The left arm has been okay, but on the right side, I still can’t move exactly as I did before, and when I try to lean into the corner, I feel a bit of pain.
“But I was expecting that, and it’s quite normal.”
Following a rain-interrupted second day, Chantra elected not to take part to preserve his energy and days of test running with Honda.
Despite the curtailed test, the Thai rider also revealed he is targeting a competitive return ahead of the next round of the WorldSBK season, scheduled at the Portimao circuit on March 27-29.
“I had already done some training with my CBR600RR back in Thailand, but the goal of this test was to get some proper track time and regain confidence with my racing bike and with my team.
“I’ll now return home and continue training; I hope to be ready for the Pirelli Portuguese Round.”
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