Honda are ‘technically in breach’ of the MotoGP regulations before the Austrian Grand Prix after unusual decision

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Honda enter this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, and the second half of the MotoGP season, second from bottom in the constructors’ standings. There has been progress this year, but it hasn’t been linear.

Honda have finished bottom in each of the last two seasons, but now they’ve leapfrogged Japanese rivals Yamaha. It’s close behind runaway leaders Ducati, with 54 points separating the other four teams.

That means it’s conceivable that all of those teams swap positions before the end of the season. Honda returned to the top step of the podium when LCR’s Johann Zarco won the French GP, and the Frenchman also finished on the podium at Silverstone.

Since then, though, they have only managed one top-six finish across their four rider line-up. They’ve also lost out on Jorge Martin, who has reluctantly agreed to remain with Aprilia, so the excitement around the project in late spring has receded.

Honda’s decision not to replace Somkiat Chantra breaches MotoGP rule

Honda have been weakened heading into the Austrian Grand Prix by the continued absence of Somkiat Chantra. The summer break wasn’t enough time for the LCR rider to recover from the knee injury he sustained before the German GP.

It’s said that Honda engineers have been disregarding Chantra’s data regardless, but he needs time on the motorcycle so he can improve. The Thai rookie sits 26th in the championship and has only scored one point so far.

Honda have confirmed that they won’t replace Chantra at the Red Bull Ring. Test rider Aleix Espargaro is preparing to deputise at the Hungarian GP a week later.

As noted by The Race, this means they’re ‘technically in breach’ of MotoGP’s regulations, which require teams to replace a rider who’s been out longer than 10 days. It seems they’ve been granted some form of exemption.

Honda considered several options to cover for Chantra after Superbike rider Iker Lecuona suffered an injury of his own, but couldn’t find a suitable candidate.

What Somkiat Chantra’s Austrian Grand Prix absence means for his MotoGP future

The Race add that Chantra’s injury ‘couldn’t have come at a worse time’ amid growing speculation over his future. LCR aren’t satisfied with the standard of his performances.

Chantra’s application has also been questioned, and the report reveals that there is concern over his off-track training regime. He signed a one-plus-one contract, and it may be that the second year isn’t picked up.

Honda are interested in Diogo Moreira, the Moto2 high-flyer, and he appears to be the standout candidate if Chantra can’t save himself. He won’t have the chance to do so until Barcelona at the earliest.

LCR title sponsors Castrol could ‘increase their involvement’, offsetting the need to please Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu with rider selection.