Johann Zarco and Somkiat Chantra's futures will be decided by Honda and Lucio Cecchinello at the Suzuka 8 Hours.
LCR Honda is the only MotoGP team that has no rider signed for the 2026 MotoGP World Championship.
However, team owner Lucio Cecchinello has said that decisions over his team's rider line-up will be made in early August around the Suzuka 8 Hours.
Johann Zarco has been the standout Honda rider throughout the 2025 season. The Frenchman claimed victory at the French Grand Prix and featured on the podium at Silverstone.
On the other side of the LCR Honda garage is MotoGP rookie, Somkiat Chantra, who has suffered throughout he opening 11 rounds, and is currently at home recovering from an injury.
Speaking to MotoGP.com during Free Practice One at Brno, Cecchinello said the Suzuka event will hold crucial talks for the futures of Zarco and Chantra.
"I think that in early August we will know more," said Cecchinello.
"For a Japanese manufacturer like Honda, they are doing a lot of meetings during the Suzuka 8 Hours period.
"It’s always a very good occasion for all the bosses to meet and make the final approval on all the projects, including our rider line-up.
"So we are looking forward, and we keep our fingers crossed to possibly continue to work with Johann."
Talks around Chantra's future in the team will not be decided by Cecchinello; instead, it will be a decision made by Honda Racing Corporation and the title sponsor, Idemitsu.
"That is a program that is in the hands of Honda, and together with Idemitsu, they will take a final decision," he explained.
"This project was born with the aim of giving opportunities to Asian riders.
"It’s a pity that Somkiat couldn’t show his potential or learn enough because of a couple of injuries - he had arm pump [surgery] early in the season, and now a knee injury.
"It’s really unfortunate for me to see that he’s not here to show what he can do. I don’t know exactly what the future will hold. I think this is also a matter that will be discussed soon in Japan."
