LCR Honda have now identified their ‘most viable’ option to replace Somkiat Chantra after Iker Lecuona injury

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Somkiat Chantra has missed the last two MotoGP races after finally claiming his first point in the category at Assen in June.

The Thai rider suffered a torn lateral ligament in his right knee, which has forced him to miss an extended period of time.

Despite a four-week summer break, Chantra will not be ready to return in time for the Austrian Grand Prix in August, meaning that LCR must find a replacement.

Sitting 26th out of 27 riders in the MotoGP standings, while his teammate Johann Zarco is eighth, means that he isn’t the biggest loss, but his team will want to fill his space.

Honda have a new rider ‘plan’ for 2026, which may scare Chantra. His performances have been poor this season, and despite holding a contract for next year, it is just a piece of paper.

At one stage this season, Chantra’s bike was ‘nothing like’ any other Honda, and he just hasn’t been able to replicate anyone else’s results on it either.

READ MORE: Lucio Cecchinello makes ‘big’ admission about Honda placing Somkiat Chantra at LCR

LCR Honda’s ‘most viable’ option to replace Somkiat Chantra is Xavi Vierge

Just a few days ago, Chantra’s replacement for the Austrian Grand Prix was announced, with Honda turning to their World Superbike ranks to find a rider.

They believed that ex-MotoGP rider Iker Lecuona could be the answer to their woes. He has been away from the premier class since 2023.

His best result in MotoGP was sixth, which came in 2021 at the Austrian Grand Prix. However, he will no longer get that chance.

Lecuona suffered a crash at the Hungarian Grand Prix in this weekend’s World Superbike Championship, which means Honda will have to find yet another alternative.

Diario AS reports that Xavi Vierge – Lecuona’s teammate, may now be the ‘most viable’ option for the opening at LCR.

READ MORE: Advisors have now warned Moto2’s ‘hottest prospect’ that he’d be entering a ‘sporting tomb’ by accepting Honda’s offer

Who is Xavi Vierge and how good has he been on a superbike?

Vierge is 28 years old and spent six years in Moto2 before moving over to superbikes. In Moto 2, he achieved four podiums and a best finish of 10th overall.

Results haven’t been too much better in the World Superbike Championship, with just the one podium to show for his efforts in four seasons of action so far.

However, Honda’s operation in the series isn’t amazing, and is slowly on the rise after years of failing to compete with the likes of Ducati or BMW.

Vierge is currently on for his best finish of all time in ninth this season, but he hasn’t demonstrated once in his career that he can be a serial winner at the highest level. He’s not expected to be a match for Zarco.