All eyes on Moto2 rider Somkiat as he jets off to Italy for top competition
Thai Moto2 rider Somkiat “Kong” Chantra flew to Italy on Monday night to participate in the Moto2 Italian Grand Prix at the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello from May 27 to 29.
The Idemitsu Honda Team Asia rider received encouragement from Thai Honda Manufacturing executives and fans as he was seen off at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Somkiat said he was proud to compete in world class races and boost Thailand’s reputation. He vowed to produce "good results" for the remaining 14 circuits.
Meanwhile, Thai Honda Manufacturing executive vice president Arak Phornprapha said Somkiat had proved that the “Honda Race to the Dream” project had enabled Thai youth to take part in world class competitions.
“Somkiat is the project’s role model who has made all Thais proud and inspired Thai youth,” Arak added.
Somkiat is the first Thai rider to win a world championship race and has grabbed three podium finishes from seven Moto2 races.
He returned to Thailand last week after roaring into third position at the Le Mans Circuit 24 Hours in France.
In a meeting with Somkiat, Tourism and Sports Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn praised the rider as a role model for youth to reach global competitions and wished him the best of luck after he reached his goal of competing in the Grand Prix motorcycle racing (MotoGP) competition.
Somkiat’s fans can follow his activities and cheer him on via the Race to the Dream Facebook page.
