Johann Zarco sets ambitious goal for Thailand GP

The day after the pre-season tests in Malaysia, Honda LCR had reserved the evening for its presentation in view of the 2025 season. On the program, the discovery of the team's two liveries. That of Johann Zarco, in the colors of the main sponsor Castrol. And that of Somkiat Chantra, in the image of Idemitsu, the main sponsor of the second bike.

After lifting the veil on a machine practically identical to last year's, the Frenchman reiterated his comments about the colours of his MotoGP.

“It’s very similar to last year, but last year I was in love with this bike, recalls n°5. It still is. I love these colors, and my leather looks great with the bike. I still have to match my helmet to all that.”

After spending his first year in the team, alongside Takaaki Nakagami, Johann Zarco will be associated with a new teammate. A Thai rider straight from Moto2, whom he got to know during the six days of action at Sepang, during the Shakedown, then during the pre-season tests which took place there this week.

“It’s very cool to have Somkiat [Chantra] with us, He continues. He's a great guy, and I'm looking forward to sharing things with him.Yes. Starting in Thailand is a good thing, I think the crowds will go wild."

Johann Zarco's ambitious goal

Finally, to talk about serious things, the Frenchman added a comment on the progress made by Honda during the winter.

"We have improvements, small improvements, but good improvements. I hope to confirm with a big top-10 in Thailand, and then grow from this base."

Comments which confirm the general feeling he expressed in the heat of the moment just after the third day of pre-season testing in Sepang. “We can consider this test as a positive result, better than I expected. Today’s performance was really good, and it’s cool for my confidence to close the gap with the top riders.”

It remains to be seen where Honda really stands in the hierarchy. We will certainly have to wait until the weekend of March 02nd, and the kick-off of this 2025 season to find out.

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