LCR Honda reveals 2026 MotoGP liveries in Bangkok

Honda’s satellite team LCR showcased the MotoGP bikes of Johann Zarco and rookie Somkiat Chantra in Bangkok on Saturday.

Both Zarco and Chantra flew to the Thai capital after the conclusion of the Sepang MotoGP test on Friday to appear at the team’s 2025 launch event.

As was the case in previous years, LCR has opted for a split design with its two Honda RC213Vs.

One-time grand prix winner Zarco will continue to adorn the white-and-green colours of Castrol on his bike, while Thailand’s first MotoGP rider Chantra will take over the Idemitsu-backed white-and-red machine from the retired Takaaki Nakagami.

Castrol has been a partner of the French squad from the mid-2010s and the British oil company has extended that relationship to become the title sponsor of the factory HRC team this year.

Somkiat Chantra, Team LCR Honda

Photo by: Team LCR

Japanese petroleum major Idemitsu, meanwhile, continues to promote Asian talent in motorsport, having previously helped fund Nakagami six-year stint in MotoGP.

With LCR’s launch complete, all teams on the grid have now revealed their 2025 bikes.

They will now take part in the series’ first-ever launch event in Bangkok on Sunday, where the public will get a chance to get up-and-close with their favourite teams and riders.

However, reigning champion Jorge Martin, Fabio di Giannantonio and Raul Fernandez will all miss the celebrations, having had to fly back to Europe for their respective surgeries after getting injured in separate crashes on the opening day of the Sepang test. The remaining 21 riders will be present, together with all 11 teams.

The MotoGP launch event precedes the two-day test at Buriram on 12-13 February, which marks the final opportunity for teams to run their new bikes prior to the start of the 2025 season at the same track in March.

Johann Zarco, Team LCR Honda

Photo by: Team LCR

LCR’s hopes for the new year ride on Honda’s ability to turn around its troubled RC213V bike and reduce the gap to its European rivals, as well as Yamaha.

In 2024, LCR comfortably outscored the factory HRC squad to finish 10th in the teams’ standings, while Zarco and Nakagami likewise clinched more points than Joan Mir and Luca Marini.

Zarco achieved Honda’s best individual result for Honda last year, finishing eighth in the Thai Grand Prix.

Somkiat Chantra, Team LCR Honda

Photo by: Team LCR