‘Dream come true': Somkiat Chantra set to make history as Thailand's first MotoGP rider
Somkiat Chantra can barely contain a beaming smile as he prepares to make history as Thailand's first MotoGP rider this week – and all in front of his home fans.
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The 26-year-old will debut at the season-opening Thai MotoGP race on Sunday at Buriram, the first rider from the country to line up in the premier class.
'It's amazing, it's like a dream come true,' said Somkiat, admitting to some trepidation ahead of riding in front of a passionate home crowd, starting with practice on Friday.
'I cannot imagine [the pressure] in Buriram on the first race,' he said.
Known by his nickname 'Kong' in Thailand, Somkiat will saddle up alongside French teammate Johann Zarco for Honda-LCR.
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Zarco said he was looking forward to helping Somkiat ease into his rookie season.
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