Johann Zarco happy to see that the support of the French "exceeds the results"

This week, the presentation conference for the 2025 French Grand Prix took place. This meeting was an opportunity for the event to formalize its contract extension on the calendar. MotoGP, but also to hear a few words from Johann Zarco, invited for the occasion.

Reflecting on his previous experience at the French Grand Prix in 2024, the French driver spoke emotionally about the unconditional support he receives from the French public. This bond, forged over the years, endures despite the difficult times faced by the two French drivers in struggling factories.

By joining Honda after several competitive seasons with Ducati, Johann Zarco knew he was embarking on a complex challenge. The Japanese brand is going through a complicated period, and the results are far from brilliant. This transition could have weakened his connection with the fans, but the opposite has happened.

“When I went to Honda, I was afraid of feeling this side of 'oh damn Johann why did you go to Honda, confides n°5. Why didn't you stay at Ducati and fight for another title or more victories? Not at all. I was told, 'Go ahead, Johann, well done for this challenge, you're going to bring Honda back to the highest level.'

Johann Zarco delighted by the support of the French

For Zarco, this support illustrates a real passion of French fans for their national drivers and for the sport in general. "We realize that it's not just the result that matters, He continues. They really support the riders and the fact that there are few French riders in MotoGP pushes them to encourage us until the end."

"It really warmed my heart and impressed me last year because when the crowd supported us, we tried to get results, we fought for the podium, Fabio's MotoGP title was huge and it brought even more fans. I was always fighting for the podium, with the Ducati there was that opportunity."

Despite a 2024 season without brilliant results on his Honda, Zarco was carried by this positive energy from the public. "To have all this positive feedback even though it wasn't a year of results was quite exceptional."

With the 2025 French Grand Prix fast approaching, Zarco hopes to be able to count on a loyal fan base once again.

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